Luanda: The Minister of Transport, Ricardo D'Abreu, defended, on Tuesday, in Luanda, the need for greater integration, investment, and coordination between African countries for the sustainable development of civil aviation on the continent.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the position was expressed at the opening session of the 75th ICA-Africa Conference, which takes place under the motto 'Stronger Airports, Stronger Africa'.
In his speech, the minister highlighted the strategic role of aviation as a driver of economic integration, promotion of trade, tourism, and movement of people and goods. He emphasized that the sector constitutes a fundamental instrument for the development of the continent. Despite this, he pointed out a structural imbalance, noting that Africa represents around 18% of the world's population but contributes less than 3% of global air traffic, indicating untapped potential.
The minister also highlighted that approximately 80% of air traffic originating or ending in Africa remains extra-continental. He emphasized the need for the effective implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market to strengthen intra-African connectivity. "Without integration, there is no scale. Without scale, there is no competitiveness. Without competitiveness, there is no sustainable growth," he stated.
Within the national framework, the minister presented Angola's strategy based on three fundamental pillars: the modernization of airport infrastructure, multimodal integration between air, rail, and port transport, and the promotion of operational efficiency with greater private sector participation. Among the projects mentioned were the Dr. Ant³nio Agostinho Neto International Airport and the Lobito Corridor, key to enhancing the country's airport capacity and logistical connectivity.
He also addressed challenges related to environmental sustainability, advocating for investments in sustainable fuels, fleet modernization, and digitalization of air traffic management systems. Furthermore, the minister stressed the importance of human capital, highlighting the need for technical and professional training in aviation to meet the demands of the growing sector.
The minister reiterated the necessity for cooperation among African States, international institutions, and private operators to share knowledge and mobilize financing for infrastructure development. The 75th ACI Africa Conference aims to provide a platform for dialogue between airport leaders, regulators, and industry partners, focusing on enhancing connectivity, trade, tourism, and socio-economic development across Africa.
The conference, organized by the Airport Management Company (SGA), includes more than 40 speakers, 20 sponsors, 15 sessions, workshops, side events, over 400 delegates, and 30 exhibitors, showcasing technologies and services linked to airport management.
