The full implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative remains crucial for the sustainable development of air transport and connectivity around the African continent.

SAATM was initiated by the African Union in 2015 to expedite the full implementation of the Yamoussoukro Declaration adopted in 1988.

The Single African Air Transport Market seeks to enhance connectivity, promote competition, and stimulate economic growth and development within the continent through collaboration.

This is achieved by implementing open skies policies such as granting traffic rights to airlines from other African countries, allowing airlines to set routes, and promoting the liberalisation of air transport.

Improved air connectivity can create about 60 000 jobs, encourage investments, and increase the efficiency of business between countries, in turn boosting socio-economic development on the continent.

42 African states have so far signed up to the SAATM and have been encouraged to collectively work towards its full implementation.

Namibia currently stands at 12% of the SAATM implementation.

The officials were speaking during the African Civil Aviation Commission Constitution-SAATM Roadshow visit event in Windhoek.