Agadir, June 17, 2026 – The Europe Today: Morocco has reaffirmed its strong commitment to advancing air connectivity across Africa, underscoring the strategic importance of aviation in driving economic growth, expanding trade, and promoting regional integration across the continent.
Speaking on Tuesday at 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 air links between African countries through the development of more efficient and integrated air transport networks.
Addressing a panel discussion on the development of air freight and air corridor routes, the minister stressed that Morocco considers air connectivity a key engine of development. He noted that the country’s aviation policy is guided by the vision of King Mohammed VI, under which the sector plays a central role in Morocco’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 stated.
The minister highlighted Morocco’s ongoing investments in airport infrastructure, efforts to consolidate Casablanca’s position as a regional aviation hub, and initiatives aimed at expanding air links with countries across Africa.
He further emphasized that Africa stands to benefit significantly from the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing them as key continental frameworks designed to enhance mobility, boost intra-African trade, and deepen regional integration.
Calling for tangible progress, Kayouh urged participating countries to ensure that discussions in Lomé translate into concrete outcomes that improve connectivity and support sustainable 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.
He also underlined the importance of enhanced technical cooperation among African states, increased support for infrastructure development, and greater exchange of expertise, aimed at building what he described as a “united, strong and competitive Africa.”
The remarks were delivered during AFCAC Expo 2026, a five-day event 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 conference opened on June 15 in Lomé with the participation of a Moroccan delegation led by Minister 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.
AFCAC Expo 2026 aims to accelerate the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), an African Union initiative launched in 2018 to liberalize air transport across the continent and improve connectivity between African states.
