African leaders commit US$30B to aviation infrastructure at Luanda summit

ANGOLA – At the 3rd Infrastructure Summit in Luanda, Angola, African leaders have committed US$30 billion toward modernizing the continent’s aviation infrastructure.

This vital investment aims to strengthen continental connectivity, drive economic growth, and accelerate pan-African integration under the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative.

The summit gathered key figures from Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Angola, and international organizations including the African Civil Aviation Commission and the World Bank.

Discussions focused on upgrading airports, navigation, and weather systems to support a surge in passenger traffic expected to rise from 160 million in 2024 to nearly 500 million by 2050.

The US$30 billion plan allocates US$10 billion for airport modernization, US$8 billion for upgrading air traffic communications and navigation, and US$12 billion to close infrastructure gaps and stimulate investments under the SAATM.

The African Union aims to mobilize US$10 billion in public finance to attract an additional US$20 billion from private and institutional investors, including development finance institutions.

Sustainability was a key theme, with plans set to implement advanced technologies like Airport Collaborative Decision-Making and System-Wide Information Management reforms.

Renewable energy integration at airports will support green financing, reduce CO₂ emissions, and position African aviation as an appealing global investment sector focused on climate goals.

Notable commitments include Qatar Airways’ US$500 million pledge toward renewable energy and industrialization aligned with climate objectives.

Partnerships to channel pension funds into infrastructure projects and initiatives like the Angola Export and Trade Facility also marked progress toward pan-African cooperation.

SAATM implementation continues to advance steadily, with 38 African countries having signed up, representing over 80% of intra-African air traffic.

The initiative has raised intra-African connectivity from 14.5% to 23%, with 108 new routes launched recently, enhancing economic integration and regional development.

These investments and strategic reforms collectively pave the way for a modern, efficient, and sustainable aviation network essential for Africa’s future growth and global connectivity.

African aviation continues to make substantial progress in 2025, transitioning from pandemic recovery to structural expansion. The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) expects African carriers to transport 113 million passengers in 2025, a 15.3% increase from 98 million in 2024.

This growth is driven by new routes and operational improvements, raising intra-African air connectivity to 23%, up from 14.5% previously. 

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