Malawi has become the 38th African country to join single Air Transport Market (SAATM), a move seen as a significant stride towards unifying Africa’s skies and advancing economic integration.
SAATM, a flagship project of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, aims to establish a unified air transport market across the continent enchaining Africa’s broader economic integration efforts.
In a statement yesterday, the African Union (AU) said Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo signed the pact on the sidelines of the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The statement said Malawi’s accession marks a crucial step in building a more interconnected and seamless African aviation network, that will serve nearly 1.5 billion people across the continent.
It reads in part: “This bold move not only aligns with the African Union’s vision of a united continent and the free movement of people, goods, and services, but it will also enhance business, trade, tourism, and mobility across Africa.”
On her part, Tembo said the decision is a powerful commitment to the integration of Africa.
“As Malawi becomes the 38th nation to join SAATM, we are making a powerful commitment to the integration of Africa.
“This move will not only strengthen our connectivity but also create new economic opportunities and foster cultural exchanges across the continent,” she said.
Meanwhile, AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Amani Abou-Zeid, has commended Malawi’s decision, further calling on other remaining African countries to join the initiative.
According to the AU, SAATM is set to revolutionise Africa’s air transport and mobility landscape by removing existing barriers.
