Aviation in National Economic Planning, Public-Private Partnerships and Aviation Funding are some of the areas that will form the main focus of the International Air Transport Association, IATA’s Aviation Day Africa Conference coming up in Abuja Nigeria, from May 23 – May 24, 2016.

The conference will bring together stakeholders to address current issues affecting aviation in Africa like the proliferation of taxes, charges, public-private partnerships, aviation, safety, security, next generation airports and market connectivity.

The event with the theme: “Driving African Economies through the Power of Aviation”, is expected to bring together regional stakeholders.

Aviation in Africa carries over 70 million passengers a year, supports more than 6.9 million jobs on the continent and generates over $80 billion in GDP. Over the next five years the African economy is forecast to grow at a strong 4.7 percent per year, well above the global average rate.  For the continent to realize its full economic potential, aviation – particularly commercial air transport – must be prioritized.
Raphael Kuuchi, Vice President Africa, IATA said, “Governments and organizations need to focus not only on national issues but also on the strategic development of pan-African aviation. Policies that promote investment in air transport infrastructure, improve safety and enhance air connectivity must be implemented. Aviation has the potential to make a much more significant contribution to economic growth and development within the continent if its power is unleashed.”
 
In his comments, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and The Middle East, Hussein Dabbas noted that: “The conference is a great opportunity for Africa’s key stakeholders to debate the industry’s most pressing issues and align actions to address the challenges. Through harnessing the power of aviation we will be helping to build a brighter future—not only for individual airlines and the air transport industry, but for all Africans, who will benefit with greater prosperity through jobs and opportunities.”
 
The Africa Day Conference speaker line-up reflects a broad spectrum of aviation stakeholders from governments, policy makes, regulators, airlines and manufactures.