Malawi has officially become the 38th African country to join the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), marking a major milestone in the African Union’s efforts to unify the continent’s airspace and boost regional integration.
The signing ceremony took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the 38th African Union Summit. Malawi’s Foreign Minister, Honourable Nancy Tembo, signed the Solemn Commitment in the presence of H.E. Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, the AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy.
SAATM, a key initiative under the African Union’s Agenda 2063, aims to establish a seamless and competitive African air transport sector by removing restrictions and opening markets for airlines across the continent.
This move is expected to lower airfares, promote trade and tourism, and stimulate economic growth, both in Malawi and across the continent.
Minister Tembo highlighted the importance of the decision, stating, “As Malawi becomes the 38th nation to join SAATM, we reaffirm our commitment to a more connected and economically integrated Africa. This will unlock new opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment.”
Dr. Abou-Zeid welcomed Malawi’s accession, encouraging other nations to join SAATM. “Malawi’s decision is a significant step toward achieving a unified and prosperous African air transport sector. We urge other member states to follow suit and embrace the benefits of a single market,” she remarked.
The African Union is also focused on ensuring the sustainability of the aviation industry through the Continental Strategy for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and Low Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF), aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of aviation.
Additionally, safety remains a priority with the implementation of updated Abuja safety targets to strengthen Africa’s aviation standards.
In addition to air transport, the AU is advancing infrastructure development with plans for 13 new railway links under the African Integrated Railway Network, as well as green and smart ports and multimodal urban mobility systems that support sustainable transport solutions.
With Malawi’s inclusion, SAATM is progressing toward its goal of a fully liberalized and interconnected African airspace, offering enhanced mobility, economic prosperity, and regional cooperation for Africa’s 1.5 billion people.
