The Minister of Transport, Ms. Barbara Creecy, delivered a compelling speech at the 2024 Aviation Africa Summit in Johannesburg, emphasizing the vital role of aviation in driving economic growth and connectivity across the African continent. Under the theme “Bridging Skies and Leveraging Growth,” she welcomed fellow African ministers, aviation leaders, and industry stakeholders, underscoring the importance of collaboration in unlocking the full potential of Africa’s aviation sector.
Minister Creecy opened her remarks by highlighting the projected full recovery of global air transportation by the 2024/25 financial year, following the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. She underscored the critical role of aviation in urban planning through the concept of the aerotropolis, where airports serve as hubs for commercial and economic development. In South Africa, key locations such as OR Tambo, Cape Town International, and King Shaka airports are seen as catalysts for growth, while other African cities, including Nairobi and Addis Ababa, also present significant aerotropolis opportunities.
The Minister emphasized the potential for job creation, infrastructure development, and increased connectivity that aerotropolis developments can bring, not only to South Africa but to the entire African continent. She shared that, prior to the pandemic in 2018, Africa’s aviation sector supported 440,000 direct jobs, 6.5 million indirect jobs, and generated $63 billion in economic activity, contributing nearly 3% of Africa’s GDP.
Looking forward, Minister Creecy highlighted a recent International Air Transport Association (IATA) report predicting that air transport in South Africa will grow by 105% over the next 20 years. This growth would add 21 million passenger journeys by 2037, potentially supporting 800,000 jobs and generating $19 billion annually for the country’s GDP. To achieve these targets, she called for harmonization of regulations and increased cooperation between African aviation authorities to streamline operations and improve efficiency across the continent.
Minister Creecy also touched on the importance of tourism, noting that Africa’s diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and vibrant cities have immense potential to attract international tourists. Efficient and reliable aviation services are crucial for connecting travelers to Africa’s unique destinations, making tourism a significant driver of economic growth and job creation.
One of the cornerstones of South Africa’s commitment to improving regional air transport is its participation in the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). This initiative aims to enhance cooperation between airlines, promote unrestricted frequency, and ensure fair competition, ultimately benefiting both business and leisure travelers while accelerating economic growth across Africa. South Africa is eager to participate in the pilot implementation of this agreement to better understand its benefits and potential risks.
The Minister also celebrated Africa’s strong aviation safety record, with South Africa achieving a 91% safety oversight rating from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) following its 2023 audit. She praised the progress made by other African nations, such as Ghana and Ethiopia, and emphasized South Africa’s commitment to ICAO’s “No Country Left Behind” initiative, which helps neighboring countries improve their aviation safety and security standards.
In addressing the future, Minister Creecy acknowledged the aviation industry’s increasing responsibility to reduce its environmental impact. She stressed the importance of investing in green technologies, exploring alternative fuels, and aligning with global sustainability goals. Africa, alongside South Africa, remains committed to ICAO’s net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050, with South Africa actively participating in pilot projects aimed at minimizing the environmental footprint of aviation.
As the address concluded, Minister Creecy urged the summit attendees to discuss strategies for building resilience in the face of natural disasters and emerging global risks, emphasizing the importance of robust business continuity models in the aviation industry. She encouraged African nations to use the summit as a platform to make significant strides toward developing a resilient and sustainable aviation sector that benefits the entire continent.
Finally, Minister Creecy officially declared the Aviation Africa Summit in South Africa open and handed over the flag to Rwanda, the next host of the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition. Her speech set the tone for two days of important discussions aimed at shaping the future of aviation in Africa.
Contact Us
VUKA is the trusted media partner to key professionals, policy makers, suppliers and
manufacturers. We provide unparalleled opportunities for industry-wide connection.
