By Wilfred S. Gortor
MONROVIA, May 22 (LINA) – Liberia has joined the ranks of several African nations to usher-in a new era for African aviation sector amid the launch of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) – a move that is intended to improve Africa’s air travel network and act as an impetus to the continent’s economic integration agenda.
Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Conakry, Gambia and Cape Verde, are leading the charge to ensure that this land-mark aviation boost becomes a reality for African nations as a way of advancing the liberalization of civil aviation in Africa.
At a three-day Plenary Session, and the Council of Ministers Meeting which began Monday, May 19, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria, Stephen R. Johnson, Deputy Director General for Administration at the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA), presented an overview of Liberia’s aviation sector and committed the nation to the SAATM framework.
In his deliberation, Mr. Johnson presented the challenges facing Liberia’s aviation sector as well as efforts made by the new management team to address the situation. He also highlighted Liberia’s cooperation with the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) and other international organizations.
Commenting on the challenges faced at the LCAA, Mr. Johnson briefly underscored that upon taking office the new management of the institution focused its attention on addressing the issues of infrastructural deficits.
Key areas of intervention and focus of the LCAA management, according to him, include: the terminal facilities as well as air navigation systems. Others include technical capacity such as the strengthening of regulation frameworks to be in compliance with international standards among other things.
A report by Travel and Trade Word (TTW), has indicated that the launch of the Single African Air Transport Market marks a historic and transformative moment for African aviation, driven by the unwavering commitment of Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Conakry, Cape Verde, and Gambia.
This bold new initiative, the report cited, aims to break down long-standing barriers in the continent’s aviation sector, paving the way for a more interconnected, competitive, and efficient air travel network.
It stated that by embracing this unified approach, these nations are not only enhancing regional cooperation but also positioning Africa as a key player in the global aviation landscape. The swift and unstoppable rollout of SAATM signals the beginning of a new era in African aviation, one where seamless connectivity, expanded access, and reduced costs become the norm, fueling economic growth and bolstering tourism, trade, and investment across the continent.
“Through the collaborative efforts of these nations, SAATM is set to revolutionize African skies, fostering a level of integration and cooperation that will have far-reaching benefits for years to come,” TTW said.
What Is the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)?
The single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) is a flagship project of the African Union Agenda (AU) 2063, an initiative of the AU to Create a single unified air transport market in Africa to advance the Liberalization of civil aviation in Africa and act as an impetus the continent’s economic integration agenda.
SAATM will ensure aviation plays a major role in connecting Africa, promoting its socio, economic, and political integrity and boosting intra-Africa trade and tourism. It was created to expedite the full implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision.
