The African Union has announced an ambitious US$30 billion investment framework to revolutionize aviation infrastructure across the continent over the next decade — a bold step toward an integrated, modern and sustainable African air transport system.

The announcement came during the III Financing Summit for Africa’s Infrastructure Development in Luanda, where AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, H.E. Lerato D. Mataboge, declared that aviation would be at the heart of Africa’s next growth phase.

“Aviation is not merely a mode of transport,” Mataboge said. “It is a strategic engine of continental integration and a core enabler of Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA.”

Ministers from Zimbabwe and Rwanda, alongside executives from Ethiopian Airlines and TAAG Angola Airlines, joined World Bank and EU officials to align investments with market realities

The plan accelerates the rollout of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) — a flagship Agenda 2063 project meant to break down borders in the sky. Once fully operational, SAATM will allow African airlines to fly freely across member states, boosting intra-African travel, trade and tourism.

By treating aviation as “economic infrastructure,” the AU hopes to fix one of Africa’s weakest links: limited air connectivity between its 55 countries. Currently, many African travelers still transit through Europe or the Middle East to reach other African capitals.

Backed by detailed research from the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), ICAO, and the World Bank, the US$30 billion target addresses Africa’s glaring infrastructure gaps.

US$10 billion will modernize airports — extending runways, expanding terminals, and developing new regional hubs.

US$8 billion will upgrade communications, navigation and safety systems to global standards.

The remainder will support air traffic management, digital systems, and green aviation technologies.

Passenger numbers are expected to surge from 160 million in 2024 to nearly 500 million by 2050, driven by economic growth, AfCFTA trade, and tourism.

The AU’s financing model is built on partnership, not aid. About US$10 billion in public and development finance will act as seed capital to attract US$20 billion in private and institutional investment.

By using public funds to de-risk projects, the AU aims to draw in banks, pension funds and climate-focused investors. The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) will coordinate implementation through its Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA).

The plan also pushes Africa toward smart airports and greener skies. New systems like Airport Collaborative Decision-Making (A-CDM) and System-Wide Information Management (SWIM) will improve coordination between airlines, airports and regulators.

Solar-powered terminals, energy-efficient designs, and waste-recycling systems are being prioritized to reduce operating costs and carbon footprints — making projects eligible for green bonds and ESG funding.

“Every project we prepare is designed to meet global green standards and attract climate-focused capital,” Mataboge said..

Implementation will span ten years, guided by a prioritized project pipeline focusing on major economic hubs, tourism centers, and underserved regions. Alongside construction, the AU will push policy reforms — liberalizing routes, harmonizing safety standards, and ensuring transparent airport pricing.