AVIATION AFRICA: Investment in infrastructure is essential warns Transport Minister

Ethiopia’s Minister of Transport called for investment in infrastructure by African countries if the continent is to live up to its potential.
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“Airport infrastructure in most African countries is outdated and is now unable to handle the increasing volume of passengers or cargo,” said Her Excellency Dagmawit Moges, in her opening address to the Aviation Africa Summit in Addis Ababa.
“Modernising infrastructure and operations require both investment and expertise,” she said. “These could come through public-private partnerships or through opening doors for private capital investment.
“This will bring innovative solutions; it will increase competitiveness; it will bring additional routes, more frequent flights, better connections and lower fares,” she said.
Moges said the improvements would increase the numbers of passengers and the amount of cargo carried bringing positive effects to trade, business travel and tourism.
Outlining the performance of Ethiopia’s national carrier the minister said “The success of Ethiopian Airlines also came as the result of the strong regulatory arm support of the Ethiopian CAA which recently received a 91% ICAO safety audit.”
She said: “I mentioned the success story of Ethiopian because it is possible to have this in other African airlines too.”
She stressed that a strong regulator and a strong airline together is essential to connect Africa through aviation and boost tourism, economic growth and development.