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Agadir – Morocco has expressed its commitment to advancing air connectivity across Africa, emphasizing the strategic role of aviation in fostering economic growth, trade, and regional integration across the continent.
Speaking on Tuesday during the African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition 2026 (AFCAC Expo 2026) in Lomé, Togo, Minister of Transport and Logistics Abdessamad Kayouh said Morocco remains fully engaged in efforts to strengthen links between African countries through improved air transport networks.
Addressing a panel on the development of air freight and corridor routes, Kayouh stressed that the country views air connectivity as a key driver of development.
He noted that Morocco’s approach is guided by the vision of King Mohammed VI, under which aviation has become an important component of the country’s broader strategy for economic cooperation and integration with African partners.
“Morocco is fully committed to strengthening the connectivity of African airspace, in service of the development and economic integration of the continent,” Kayouh said.
The minister highlighted Morocco’s ongoing investments in airport infrastructure, efforts to reinforce the position of Casablanca as a regional aviation hub, and initiatives aimed at expanding air links with countries across Africa.
According to Kayouh, Africa is currently presented with a significant opportunity through the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), two flagship continental initiatives designed to facilitate mobility, boost trade, and deepen regional integration.
‘Meeting the aspirations of African populations’
He called on participating countries to ensure that discussions held during the Lomé gathering lead to concrete outcomes capable of improving connectivity and supporting economic development across the continent.
“In this regard, the Minister stressed the importance of translating the decisions expected in Lomé into concrete actions, capable of further strengthening air connectivity, developing trade and meeting the aspirations of African populations,” the Ministry of Transport and Logistics said in a statement.
Kayouh also underlined the importance of enhanced technical cooperation among African countries, greater support for infrastructure development, and increased sharing of expertise to build what he described as a “united, strong and competitive Africa.”
The remarks came during AFCAC Expo 2026, a five-day gathering organized by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) in partnership with the African Union under the theme “One African Sky: Connectivity and Sustainable Development of Air Transport.”
The event opened on June 15 in Lomé with the participation of a Moroccan delegation led by Kayouh. The delegation includes Morocco’s Ambassador to Benin and Togo, Rachid Rguibi, Director General of the National Airports Office Adel El Fakir, and Royal Air Maroc Chairman and CEO Abdelhamid Addou.
The conference seeks to accelerate the implementation of SAATM, an African Union initiative launched in 2018 to liberalize air transport across the continent and improve connectivity between African states.
