IATA urges opening of African continent to travel, trade

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is promoting the African Union (AU) Free Movement Protocol, which will ease the severe visa restrictions that African countries impose on African visitors. 
About 75% of African countries require visas for African visitors. 

“And the convenience of visa-on arrival is only offered to 24% of African visitors,” said IATA head Alexandre de Juniac in a speech at the 51st Annual General Assembly of the African Airline Association (AFRAA). 

“The free movement protocol would play a key role in making it easier to travel and trade within this enormous continent which is part of the AU's Agenda 2063.” 

Only four African states (Mali, Niger, Rwanda and Sao Tome & Principe) were said to have ratified the free movement protocol. 

This was short of the 15 needed for it to become operational. 

De Juniac also said IATA supporting the Single African Air Transport Marke (SAATM), which is a vision for opening intra-African connectivity. 

Only 31 African states have so far signed the SAATM agreement, while nine have translated it into their national legislation. 

Less than 20% of African trade is within the continent, which compares poorly with Europe at 70% and Asia at 60%.

“My message to governments … is simple — hurry-up…,” he said. “Why wait any longer to give airlines the freedom to do business and Africans the freedom to explore their continent?”