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Over the past two decades, air connectivity within Africa has undergone a dramatic transformation. What was once a fragmented and underdeveloped sector—where traveling between neighbouring African countries was often more complicated than flying to Europe—is now evolving into a dynamic and rapidly expanding aviation market. This shift has been driven by new airline ventures, infrastructure investments, regional liberalization, and a growing recognition of aviation’s role in economic development. The implications of these changes are significant, not only for African economies but also for international stakeholders, and a perfect opportunity to boost African-Central European collaboration, as there exist many companies, universities, and industries that may be involved in technological cooperation, capacity building, and business partnerships.
One of the most notable success stories of aviation success is that of Ethiopia. The state-owned Ethiopian Airlines has emerged as the largest and most reliable airline on the continent, operating routes to over 130 destinations across five continents. Its hub at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa handled more than 12 million passengers in 2023. Plans are underway to construct a new airport capable of accommodating up to 100 million passengers annually—a scale comparable to major international hubs such as Istanbul or Dubai. These ambitions reflect a strategic vision in which aviation is seen not only as a commercial enterprise but as a vehicle for regional leadership and global integration.
Kenya represents another example of a state investing strategically in its aviation sector. Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport served more than 8 million passengers last year and plays a critical role in the export of perishable goods such as flowers and fruit, in addition to facilitating tourism. To the south, South Africa’s OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg remains a dominant player in the region, welcoming more than 17 million passengers annually. Other cities such as Kigali, Accra, Abidjan, and Lagos are also expanding and modernizing their airports, contributing to a broader continental trend toward improved infrastructure and connectivity.
Much of this development has been supported by foreign investment, particularly from China and Turkey. Turkish firms have played a prominent role in building or upgrading several airports across West Africa, often using similar architectural designs that give a recognizable character to many regional hubs. Turkish Airlines, meanwhile, has established a strong presence on the continent with flights to over 40 African destinations, positioning itself as a formidable competitor to both local and international carriers. Similarly, Qatar Airways is expanding its African partnerships, while legacy European airlines such as Air France face growing competition in markets they once dominated. Airspace over Africa is increasingly a site of geopolitical competition, where commercial aviation intersects with foreign policy and economic influence.
In contrast to earlier decades, African states are now more inclined to support private sector participation in aviation rather than relying exclusively on state-owned enterprises. Nigeria exemplifies this shift, with the emergence of over ten new airlines in recent years. Among them, Air Peace has become the country’s largest carrier, reflecting a broader trend toward privatization and entrepreneurial innovation. This shift is not merely a matter of economic efficiency—it is also a political decision to foster domestic industries and reduce dependence on public funds and foreign operators.
These developments are contributing to a re-connection of the continent. In the 1980s and 1990s, many of the inter-African flight networks collapsed due to economic crises, poor infrastructure, mismanagement, and political instability. Today, this pattern is reversing. There is a notable increase in direct connections between African regions—linking West, East, and Central Africa more effectively. A key initiative driving this change is the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which aims to liberalize the aviation sector by reducing regulatory barriers and fostering open skies. This initiative is akin to a Schengen-style agreement for air travel and is intended to enhance intra-African mobility and integration.
The aviation boom presents substantial opportunities for international partners, including Central European countries like the Czech Republic. Czech companies have developed expertise in several sectors relevant to Africa’s aviation expansion. These include passive surveillance systems for air traffic control, radar technologies, and other safety and navigation tools suited for challenging environments. There is also a growing demand for smaller-scale airports and landing strips, particularly in remote areas, where Czech engineering and construction firms may offer competitive solutions. An example of such engagement is in Senegal, where Czech companies have participated in airport-related infrastructure projects.
In addition to technology and construction, training and capacity-building initiatives are also essential components of the aviation ecosystem. Czech universities and institutions are well-positioned to contribute to education and skills development. For example, the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen has been involved in projects focusing on aeronautical engineering and technical training in African contexts. These partnerships address a significant gap in local expertise and support sustainable growth in the sector.
Africa's transformation in aviation is part of a larger narrative of modernization, economic diversification, and continental integration. As the continent becomes more interconnected, it gains greater autonomy in shaping its economic and political future. This transformation challenges older narratives that framed Africa as a peripheral or passive region in global affairs. Instead, it is increasingly asserting its agency through infrastructure, investment, and policy innovation.
For Czech and other European actors, understanding this shift is crucial. Opportunities for engagement do not lie solely in traditional development assistance or extractive industries but in high-value technological and knowledge-based sectors. The success of such partnerships will depend on mutual respect, long-term commitment, and sensitivity to local needs and priorities. Aviation, as a sector that combines infrastructure, technology, logistics, and human mobility, offers a concrete and strategic entry point.
In conclusion, Africa’s aviation renaissance is reshaping the continent’s internal dynamics and external relationships. As more African cities become accessible by air, new economic corridors are opening up. The implications for trade, tourism, employment, and regional cooperation are profound. For countries like the Czech Republic, this represents a timely opportunity to contribute to and benefit from Africa’s ascent—one that requires vision, adaptability, and a willingness to engage with Africa not as a charity case, but as a partner in global progress.
