Africa
Africa’s aviation sector recovery prospects looking up
The aviation industry outlook is giving better prospects of recovery for African airlines compared with those in the Middle East and Europe. An analysis by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) shows African carriers are on a recovery trajectory, having reopened 81.3% of their international routes. Sub-regional growth, however, is varied. The analysis further reveals that African airlines have been growing regional fleet since 2020, allowing a deeper market penetration. Cargo capacity has also grown by 33% since 2019, while cargo load factors improved by 9% from pre-pandemic levels. AFRAA’s secretary general Abdérahmane Berthé, while speaking at the 53rd Annual General Assembly and Summit held virtually on 16 and 17 November, said the recovery is critical to redefining the industry’s strategic plans for the next five years. He called on African governments and airlines to re-invent and redefine their business models for a quick industry recovery. This will involve financial support, implementing safe travel measures, using technology to define the “new normal” and removing travel restrictions.
Source: The EastAfrican
East / Southern Africa
COMESA leaders focus on up-scaling investments in health
On Tuesday, 23 November, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) heads of state urged member states to scale up investment in research and innovation in the health sector and to prioritise all programmes that would enhance socio-economic recovery and generate more resilient societies that are ready to respond to disasters that may come. In their Communique issued at the end of their 21st COMESA Summit, the leaders noted the devastating socio-economic and cultural effects of the COVID-19 pandemic across various sectors of the economy and the low vaccine production and access in the region. The leaders urged member states to invest in digital infrastructure to enhance universal access to internet to address the challenges arising from the digital divide and support the digitalisation of the economies. The focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and way forward is in line with the theme of the COMESA Summit: Building Resilience Through Strategic Digital Economic Integration , which advocates for the application of information and communications technology solutions in driving regional integration.
Source: COMESA
East Africa
EAC ministers endorse DRC admission to bloc
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been endorsed by the Council of Ministers to join the East African Community (EAC) […]