The Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), Madam Adefunke Adeyemi, has called on African countries, especially Liberia, to prioritize air transport.
Speaking Monday, May 5, 2025 at the start of a weeklong National Aviation Awareness at the EJ Ministerial Complex in Congo Town under the theme, “Connecting Liberia: The Power of Aviation,” Madam Adefunke said that Africa should invest in their airports, support their airlines, strengthen their policies, and move from commitment to action.
She said the future is in flight and Liberia must not be left on the tarmac, but rise with vision, action, and unity.
She also called on African nations to ensure uncompromising safety and security standards, as these have no alternatives, adding that aviation safety and security are the foundations upon which public confidence and international credibility are built.
The African Civil Aviation Commission Secretary General said Liberia must continue aligning with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS).
Madam Adefunke said that the AFCAC remains fully available to support Liberia through safety oversight, capacity-building, and audit facilitation programs to resolve all Significant Safety Concerns (SSCS) and elevate the Effective Implementation (EI) Score.
“Let us move forward with resolve, vision, and a shared commitment to lifting Liberia into the skies of opportunity,” she stated.
According to her, Africa is opening its skies and Liberia must not be left behind; the future belongs to nations that build connections, not walls.
She explained that Liberia can become a gateway to West Africa and beyond, unlocking prosperity for future generations if the leadership puts in more effort.
The Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission narrated that the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) is a transformative step by the African Union to liberalize the airspace, reduce airfares, increase competition, and connect Liberia to more cities continentally.
“When we fully implement SAATM, we are not just opening our skies, we are opening Liberia to business, trade, and investment,” she noted.
Madam Adefunke added that Liberia can become a regional logistics and tourism hub, linking landlocked neighbors to global markets, showcasing its rich culture and natural beauty, and serving as a platform for African connectivity.
She noted that it’s equally vital to push for visa-free travel for all Africans, stating that the AfCFTA gives access to a US$3.4 trillion market, but without freedom of movement, this opportunity is constrained. “By simplifying visa procedures, we invite tourists, welcome entrepreneurs, and build the African economic community we envision,” she said.
According to her, the implementation of SAATM will open Liberia’s skies, attract more airlines, increase frequencies, lower fares, and enhance connectivity.
Adefunke pointed out that Visa-free access for African nationals is a game-changer for business and leisure travel, boosting tourism and regional commerce; thus, air cargo liberalization is a critical enabler under AfCFTA for unlocking trade potential across Africa’s borders.
