Lomé: Under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, Morocco is making significant strides in promoting African air transport integration, as announced by Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, during a recent event in Lomé.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Kayouh highlighted Morocco’s pivotal role in advancing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative, which was launched by the African Union in 2018 to liberalize the continent’s aviation sector. The minister emphasized Morocco’s commitment to developing its aviation sector in collaboration with African nations, evidenced by the daily flights operating from Casablanca to 32 African capitals. This effort is poised to gain momentum under the SAATM framework.
The initiative was a key topic of discussion among African ministers, focusing on the procedures for opening African airspace to countries across the continent. The conference also served as a platform to emphasize Morocco’s strategic position as an African and reg
ional leader in air transport, a status acknowledged by many countries.
Minister Kayouh expressed that this recognition bolsters Morocco’s resolve to facilitate the opening of airspace between Morocco and Africa, particularly in the realm of air cargo. Plans are underway for the expansion of Royal Air Maroc’s fleet, aiming to grow from 70 aircraft to 200 by 2037, thereby enhancing the Kingdom’s air transport capabilities.
The AFCAC Expo 2026, organized by the African Civil Aviation Commission in partnership with the African Union, was held from June 15 to 19 under the theme “One African Sky: Connectivity and Sustainable Development of Air Transport.” The event aimed to accelerate SAATM’s implementation and gathered ministers, civil aviation authorities, airlines, investors, and experts for bilateral meetings, exhibitions, and plenary sessions. Topics discussed included reducing African air transport costs, strengthening airline resilience and competitiveness, and advancing investment partnerships in the air
transport infrastructure across Africa.