Arusha, Tanzania, 2 July 2026 – Aviation experts and key stakeholders from Eastern Africa and continental institutions have concluded a four-day Expert Policy Dialogue in Arusha, Tanzania, resulting in a roadmap for the adoption and implementation of a Multilateral Air Service Agreement (MASA) in the Eastern African region. The dialogue also produced key frameworks to advance air transport liberalization, strengthen regional connectivity, and support the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
The high-level event, organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the African Union Commission (AUC), and the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), in collaboration with the East African Community (EAC) and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), convened regional and continental aviation experts to accelerate the full implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
The series of dialogue comes at a pivotal moment as the African Union prepares for its 2027 theme: "Leveraging the Full Potential of SAATM and New Technologies for Continental Integration," which underscores the strategic importance Heads of State attach to aviation as an engine of Africa's transformation.
A Critical Enabler for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Robert Lisinge, Director for the Technology, Innovation, Connectivity and Infrastructure Development Division of ECA, emphasized the critical link between air connectivity and regional economic development. “The drive to promote regional value chains in Africa and focus on tourism, light industries, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce also require improved connectivity and reduced air transport cost,” he stated.
Lisinge further underscored the essence of the Yamoussoukro Decision, adding: “The continued relevance of the Yamoussoukro Decision underscore the critical importance of implementing the single African air transport market. This is about removing non-physical barriers to air transport on the continent by harmonising policies.”
SAATM: Indispensable to Continental Trade
The African Union Commission reinforced the centrality of aviation to the AfCFTA's success. Eng. Eric Ntagengerwa, Head of Transport and Mobility Division, delivering remarks on behalf of Lerato D. Mataboge, the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union Commission, stated: “Efficient air transport is indispensable to the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area. AfCFTA can only achieve its full promise if people, goods, and services move quickly, safely, and affordably across the continent. SAATM is therefore a critical enabler of continental trade and economic integration."
He further noted that the AU Theme of the Year 2027 reflects Africa's determination to make aviation a driver of integration, innovation, and sustainable development, and commended the East African Community for demonstrating leadership through initiatives such as harmonization of aviation regulations, implementation of upper airspace management programmes, modernization of airports and air navigation infrastructure, and closer collaboration among Partner States.
Developing a Comprehensive Roadmap
Representing Ms. Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), Mr. Stephen Musa outlined the most crucial deliverable of the retreat, stating: “The sixth question, the roadmap from Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) to Multilateral Air Service Agreements (MASA), is arguably the most crucial deliverable of this retreat. The roadmap should be comprehensive: legal review, gap analysis, draft MASA text, stakeholder consultation, Ministerial approval, Heads of State endorsement where necessary, implementation timelines, monitoring indicators, and dispute resolution procedures. It should also emphasise quick wins, including priority routes, fifth freedom opportunities, cargo corridors, and areas where existing BASAs can be immediately aligned with YD/SAATM principles.”
The AFCAC SAATM Ambassador for Eastern Region, Capt. Gilbert Kibe noted that the Expert Policy Dialogue has been the most successful and impactful initiative in advancing air transport liberalization in the EAC region. Through this programme, experts developed a draft Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MASA) covering passenger, cargo, and mail services, as well as a framework for harmonized Aviation Taxes, Fees, and Charges (TFCs). He further noted that the Dialogue has provided the EAC with a clear roadmap for the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) in the region. He expressed confidence that the implementation of the MASA would position the EAC as a model for Air Transport liberalization across the African continent.
EAC's Commitment to Actionable Frameworks
Ambassador Patrick Mbundi, Secretary General of the East African Secretariat, reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to liberalizing and domesticating the regional air transport market as a key driver of economic integration, connectivity, trade, tourism, and sustainable development across East Africa. Ambassador Mbundi emphasized that an efficient, affordable, and competitive aviation sector is essential for unlocking the region’s economic potential and positioning East Africa as a leading aviation and logistics hub. He stressed that air transport liberalization is no longer optional but necessary to facilitate the movement of people, goods, services, and investments while promoting fair competition and improved connectivity.
He also highlighted the need to address high aviation costs by harmonizing aeronautical charges, taxes, and user fees across Partner States to make air travel more affordable and stimulate airline growth. He also reiterated the importance of fully implementing the Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MASA), which will expand market access, increase competition, improve service quality, and open new air routes across the region. Ambassador Mbundi noted that a liberalized air transport market would boost trade, tourism, investment, cargo services, and job creation while reducing travel costs for consumers. He called on partner states, aviation stakeholders, to work together towards a seamless and integrated East African aviation market that supports long-term economic growth and regional prosperity.
Key Outcomes
The four-day policy meeting produced several key deliverables, including:
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A validated draft MASA framework aligned with the Yamoussoukro Decision.
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A roadmap for the adoption of a MASA by EAC countries.
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A draft framework to accelerate the liberalisation of air cargo markets in Africa and a draft framework for the framework for the reduction of aviation taxes, charges and fees.
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A roadmap for adopting a common aviation tax regime in East Africa.
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org