Kenya backs united front in Air-Tourism strategy to drive Africa’s economic growth – Switch News

LUANDA — Kenya has pledged to tighten the connection between air transport and tourism to expand job opportunities, attract investment, and improve its competitiveness as a travel destination across Africa. This declaration came during the Second UN Tourism and ICAO Africa Ministerial Summit in Luanda, where Kenya joined other African states in pushing for a unified framework to reform aviation and tourism systems. The summit focused on cutting red tape, improving regional mobility, and encouraging stronger cross-border partnerships.

Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika led Kenya’s delegation. She said Kenya is aligning its air travel policies with broader tourism goals to create a reliable gateway for travelers across the continent. “Kenya is fully committed to strengthening the link between the aviation and tourism sectors to foster job creation, drive investment, and boost destination competitiveness,” PS Mbaika said. “The recent announcement by Kenya’s President that citizens from all African countries can now access Kenya visa-free is a demonstration of our commitment.”

She cited ongoing government efforts to streamline immigration, strengthen post-arrival travel links, and improve infrastructure to make airports more inclusive such as installing ramps, lifts, and wheelchair access in all major terminals.

PS Mbaika met with ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano to reaffirm Kenya’s cooperation with the global aviation body and to update him on the progress of the newly formed State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development.

Sciacchitano praised Kenya’s focus on aviation as a pillar of national development. “The creation of a dedicated aviation and aerospace department is a clear demonstration of Kenya’s bold vision. ICAO looks forward to strengthening cooperation with Kenya in capacity building, safety oversight, and green aviation,” he said in the closed-door meeting.

Kenya also held bilateral talks with Angola’s Minister for Transport, Construction, and Public Works, Ricardo Daniel Sandão. Both nations agreed to revise their Bilateral Air Services Agreement, exchange regulatory practices, and explore mutual visa arrangements to support tourism and trade.

The Kenyan delegation toured Angola’s new Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport. PS Mbaika described the visit as a “wake-up call” on the urgent need for Kenya to invest in upgraded aviation infrastructure to support rising passenger and cargo traffic. She extended a formal invitation to Minister Sandão to visit Kenya aboard TAAG Angola Airlines’ inaugural direct flight to Nairobi, scheduled for September 2025.

Kenya’s team at the summit included Ambassador Joyce M’maitsi and representatives from the ministries of Transport and Roads, Tourism and Wildlife, and Agriculture. Kenya Airways was also represented by Dalmas Owino Okendo, Head of Government and Industry Affairs.

The Government of Kenya is reviewing access to its air transport market to better reflect actual demand and align with the country’s economic goals. This review involves the ministries of Tourism and Wildlife, Trade, Transport and Roads, and Agriculture.

Officials say the objective is to coordinate across sectors to unlock the full economic value of aviation and tourism combined.

“Seamless connectivity and improved passenger experiences will make Africa a more accessible and attractive destination,” PS Mbaika stated.

The summit concluded with renewed commitments by African nations to implement common policies that support regional air travel, encourage tourism flows, and enhance integration within the continent’s economic corridors.

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