Durban, South Africa – May 13, 2025 — South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, has made a strong appeal to the African Union (AU) to prioritize and accelerate the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Speaking at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 in Durban, she emphasized the vital role SAATM could play in enhancing intra-African air connectivity and driving economic integration across the continent.
“SAATM is not just a transport policy—it’s a powerful tool to unlock Africa’s tourism, trade, and investment potential,” Minister de Lille stated. “We need urgent political will and coordinated action from all AU member states to make it a reality.”
The Minister highlighted the current fragmentation in Africa’s aviation landscape, which limits travel between countries, inflates airfares, and hampers regional integration. She called for harmonized regulations and stronger commitment to liberalize air access across the continent.
Once fully operational, SAATM is expected to reduce travel costs, increase flight frequency, promote job creation, and stimulate inclusive economic growth. Minister de Lille concluded her address by affirming South Africa’s commitment to leading efforts that connect African nations and foster greater unity through open skies.
Source : DATV