Africa’s aviation sector is set for rapid growth, but experts warn that the continent must overcome deep structural challenges to turn demand into lasting gains.
This was the focus of the Airlines, Capital and Connectivity Forum held in Nairobi on February 25 and 26, 2026. The meeting was organised by the African Development Bank Group in partnership with the African Airlines Association.
Leaders in aviation, finance and government agreed that Africa is on track to become the world’s fastest-growing aviation market. However, they noted that the sector still faces major barriers. These include high costs of aircraft financing, ageing fleets, weak regulatory coordination and limited access to long-term funding.
To tackle these issues, the African Development Bank is pushing a new initiative known as the Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme. The plan aims to modernise the aviation sector and improve access to financing through policy reforms and new funding models.
Mike Salawou, Director of Infrastructure and Urban Development at the Bank, said the programme brings together policy, financing and implementation under one system. He explained that the forum focused on practical solutions to unlock investment, upgrade infrastructure and make African airlines more attractive to investors.
Participants also discussed a proposed Pan-African Aviation Financing Platform. This model is expected to reduce borrowing costs and attract private capital through shared risk mechanisms.
Tomoki Nakai, Executive Director representing Japan and other countries at the Bank, said the approach marks a shift in how aviation projects are financed. He noted that sharing risks could lower costs and boost investor confidence in Africa’s aviation industry.
AFRAA Secretary General Abderahmane Berthé said the initiative offers a clear path to unlock funding and remove long-standing barriers. He stressed the need to turn discussions into action to support the sector’s growth.
Experts at the forum highlighted aviation’s key role in trade, tourism and regional integration. They pointed to examples from Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia, where reforms are already attracting investment.
Over the next 20 years, Africa is expected to produce one in four new air travellers globally. This growth will be driven by rising urbanisation, a growing middle class and a young population.
The meeting ended with a strong call for action. Leaders agreed that Africa must align policy, financing and infrastructure to ensure aviation drives economic growth across the continent.
