Facing mounting pressure to close decades-old infrastructure gaps, the African Union (AU) has announced a US$30 billion plan aimed at overhauling the continent’s struggling aviation network and boosting connectivity.
The announcement was made by H.E. Lerato D. Mataboge, AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, during the III Financing Summit for Africa’s Infrastructure Development held in Luanda, Angola.
The plan represents one of the most ambitious aviation infrastructure initiatives in Africa’s recent history and seeks to accelerate the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a flagship project under the AU’s Agenda 2063.
SAATM aims to create a unified, liberalized air transport market across the continent, removing barriers that have long fragmented African aviation.
“Aviation is not merely a mode of transport,” Mataboge said. “It is a strategic engine of continental integration and a core enabler of Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA. The Single African Air Transport Market will only succeed if we build the modern, safe, and efficient infrastructure that Africa’s growth demands.”
Addressing Africa’s Aviation Infrastructure Gap
The $30 billion investment target is based on findings from a Continental Aviation Infrastructure Gap Analysis conducted with the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the World Bank.
The study concluded that Africa requires between $25 billion and $30 billion over the next decade to meet projected aviation demand and address critical infrastructure deficiencies.
Passenger numbers across Africa are expected to rise sharply, increasing from about 160 million in 2024 to nearly 500 million by 2050. This growth is driven by an expanding middle class, trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and growing regional connectivity.
Financing and Implementation Strategy
The AU’s plan allocates approximately $10 billion for airport and aerodrome infrastructure; covering runway expansions, terminal modernization, and new regional airports, and $8 billion for the modernization of communication, navigation, and meteorological systems.
To mobilize funding, the AU intends to leverage $10 billion in public financing from African governments, development partners, and multilateral institutions to attract an additional $20 billion in private sector investment.
This blended financing approach is designed to de-risk aviation projects and encourage institutional capital participation.
Emphasis on Technology and Sustainability
The investment framework incorporates advanced aviation technologies, including Airport Collaborative Decision-Making (A-CDM) and System-Wide Information Management (SWIM), to improve operational efficiency and coordination.
“As we modernize African skies, we are doing so sustainably,” Mataboge emphasized. “Every project we prepare is designed to meet global green standards, reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, and make African aviation an attractive asset class for the world’s growing pool of climate-focused capital.”
Collaborative Path Forward
The Luanda summit brought together government representatives, airline executives, and development partners, reflecting a collaborative approach to achieving the AU’s aviation goals. The initiative forms part of a broader continental effort to enhance connectivity, drive economic growth, and advance regional integration across Africa
