Malawi has become the 38th African country to join the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
This is a flagship project of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 aims to establish a unified air transport market across the continent.
In a statement the AU issued on Friday, Malawi’s Foreign Minister, Nancy Tembo, officially signed the SAATM Solemn Commitment in the presence of Amani Abou-Zeid, outgoing AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, alongside officials from the Malawi Embassy in Addis Ababa and the African Union.
Abou-Zeid said Malawi’s accession marks a crucial step in building a more interconnected and seamless African aviation network, one that will serve the nearly 1.5 billion people across the continent.
“Malawi’s signing of the Single African Air Transport Market agreement is an important milestone in Africa’s journey towards a more integrated and economically prosperous future,” said Abou-Zeid, calling on other remaining African countries to join the initiative and emphasising the importance of collective effort in achieving the full potential of SAATM.
The move not only aligns with the African Union’s vision of a united continent and the free movement of people, goods, and services, but it will also enhance business, trade, tourism, and mobility across Africa.
“As Malawi becomes the 38th nation to join SAATM, we are making a powerful commitment to the integration of Africa. This move will not only strengthen our connectivity but also create new economic opportunities and foster cultural exchanges across the continent,” Nancy Tembo said.
The SAATM is set to revolutionise Africa’s air transport and mobility landscape by removing existing barriers.
It is envisaged that the operationalisation of the market will bring significant economic benefits, including lower airfares, increased flight options, and expanded air cargo services.
MG/as/APA