The cost of air transport within the West African sub-region remains the highest globally, according to Mr. Sédiko Douka, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalization. Speaking at the opening of the Sixth Legislature ECOWAS Parliament Delocalized Meeting in Lome on Tuesday, Douka expressed concern over the low level of air transport in the region, revealing that it accounts for less than 10% of the region's travel—a stark contrast to North Africa's 40.4%, Southern Africa’s 21.4%, and East Africa’s 20.5%.
Douka emphasized that the high cost of flights within the region is a major barrier to the integration of West Africa, noting that it is often cheaper to fly from West Africa to other African countries than to travel between two ECOWAS nations. He called for urgent reforms to make air transport more accessible and affordable for the 400 million residents of West Africa.
Addressing the gathering, Douka revealed that ECOWAS leadership is taking active steps to harmonize air transport policies, particularly regarding fees, taxes, and charges. As a result, the commission has been tasked with coordinating air transport policies across member states. A common policy on air transport fees was developed in 2017, with efforts to eliminate or reduce certain charges. The ECOWAS Heads of State and Government have since endorsed the reduction of air transport costs in support of regional integration.
In 2024, ECOWAS ministers responsible for air transport agreed to gradually reduce taxes, fees, and charges, including a 25% reduction in passenger service and security charges. Additionally, they are focusing on the reduction of aviation fuel costs, aiming to make air travel more affordable for citizens of the region.
Douka stressed the importance of implementation, with a target start date of January 1, 2026. He also urged the region's parliamentarians to engage with member states to ensure the successful rollout of these reforms, which could significantly improve the air transport landscape in West Africa.
Douka’s remarks come at a time when ECOWAS is marking its 50th anniversary, a period during which the organization hopes to enhance its visibility and improve awareness of its achievements, particularly in sectors crucial for regional integration.
