Africa Here and NOW

Guest: Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General of African Civil Aviation CommissionIn this episode, we have a super conversation with lawyer and aviation expert, Adefunke Adeyemi, to discuss open skies in Africa's aviation industry.She outlines signifiicant progress made on the continent towards full implementation of the ambitious Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Adefunke also reveals how she views flying: it's not just about getting from point A to point B, it is integral to life. We meet on the sidelines of Nigeria's inaugural Aviation Aquisition and Investment Summit, and Adefunke tells the audience about her twin passions: the law and aviation. As a long time aviation player, Adefunke is upbeat about where Nigeria is today and is optimistic that the recent improvements will not be easily upended if a new administration comes to power in next year's elections.I ask how she has risen to senior positions in aviation - which is very much a male-dominated sector - and she outlines the strategy of the "7 Cs."Character, Courage, Confidence, Competence,Capital, Commitment and Charisma. 🌟 The 7 Cs for Women in Leadership - by Adefunke AdeyemiFunke has devised a strategy over her 25-year career that breaks down the essential attributes every woman needs to lead effectively, especially in male-dominated sectors:CHARACTER: Your integrity and values. It’s what keeps you in the room once your competence gets you there.COURAGE: The bravery to challenge the status quo and push through the "infamous" delays in policy implementation.CONFIDENCE: Owning your space and silencing the inner critic.COMPETENCE: The technical "price of entry." You must be a subject matter expert to command respect. CAPITAL: Not about money, this is social capital. How do you present to the world? Who do people say you are? The ability to build strategic networksCOMMITMENT: As women we need to battle through what can be quite challenging physical times - we still need to show up.CHARISMA: That magnetic quality that inspires others to follow your lead and join your mission. The ability to articulate a vision and tell a story that moves people to action.🌍 Discussion HighlightsThe African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC): Understanding its role as a specialized agency of the African Union.Agenda 2063: Why connecting Africa via air is a top priority for the continent’s future.The Yamoussoukro Decision: Navigating the binding agreement that connects 44 (and counting) African states.The Pace of Progress: Why 38 countries have now committed to "accelerated implementation" and what that means for travelers and businesses.🔑 Key Takeaway"It's about more than just aviation; it's about the leadership required to unite 55 nations under one sky."📱 Connect & FollowSubscribe for more interviews with global leaders.Comment below: Which of the 7 Cs are you working on this year?Learn more about SAATM: [Link to AFCAC/AU Resources]#WomenInLeadership #FunkeAdeyemi #Aviation #7Cs #Charisma #AfricanUnion #SAATM #LeadershipDevelopment

Why Dangote Refinery Won't Lower Jet Fuel Prices: Festus Keyamo on Airfares & SubsidiesIs the era of cheap air travel in Africa over? With Jet A1 fuel prices skyrocketing by 70% to 80%, Nigerian airlines and passengers are feeling the immediate impact on ticket prices. In this exclusive AHAN Special Aviation Series interview, I sit down with Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, to ask the question on everyone’s mind: Can the new Dangote Refinery insulate Nigeria from global fuel shocks?Minister Keyamo delivers a hard truth on the realities of global pricing, definitively ruling out a return to aviation fuel subsidies. Calling subsidies a "retrogressive" trap, he explains why Nigeria must stick to its new non-subsidy economic model—and hints at other "interventions" the government is exploring to save the aviation sector.In this interview, we cover:[00:00] The "Double Tragedy" of African Aviation: High costs and poor connectivity.[01:15] The Jet A1 Crisis: Why aviation fuel has spiked by 80% and its impact on ticket prices.[02:09] The Dangote Question: Can local refining actually lower fuel costs for local airlines?[02:40] Global Pricing vs. Local Production: Why selling below market value is a subsidy.[03:32] "Subsidies are Retrogressive": Keyamo’s firm stance on why the government cannot take a step back into the subsidy trap.💡 Key Quote: "I think it would be retrogressive to take a step back and begin to think of subsidies again... my fear is that you take one step back, you take two steps back, and before you know it you’re back to full-blown subsidy!" – Hon. Minister Festus Keyamo.Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the notification bell for more exclusive insights into Africa’s aviation and economic policies!#Aviation #FestusKeyamo #DangoteRefinery #NigeriaEconomy #JetA1 #AfricanAviationFestus Keyamo interview, Aviation Minister Nigeria, Dangote refinery aviation fuel, Jet A1 fuel price Nigeria, Nigeria airfare increase, fuel subsidy removal Nigeria, Martine Dennis interview, African aviation connectivity, Nigeria economy 2026, aviation fuel crisis Africa, AHAN Special Aviation Series, local airlines Nigeria intervention, Nigerian government aviation policy.Dangote refinery update, Nigeria aviation news, cost of flight tickets in Nigeria, Jet A1 pricing, economic reforms in Nigeria, Tinubu administration policies, travel in Africa.

Africa's Aviation Future: Insights from Henok Teffera ShawlExplore the promising growth and ongoing challenges within Africa's aviation sector through an in-depth interview with Henok T. Shawl, a seasoned expert in international relations and aviation, currently supporting Boeing's efforts on the continent. Discover how infrastructure, policy, and training are shaping the future of African aviation.Main Topics Covered:The role of Boeing and other stakeholders in developing African aviation infrastructure and capacityOpportunities from Africa's demographic growth, intra-African trade, and policy initiativesChallenges posed by high operating costs, fuel prices, and governance issuesThe potential of low-cost carriers (LCCs) and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to transform the sectorThe importance of regulatory cooperation and regional integrations like the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)Training and developing local aviation professionals for exponential growthKey Insights:Africa's airline industry has shown resilience despite disruptions, with a projected addition of 1,200 new aircraft over the next 20 years.The continent’s passenger numbers are growing faster than other regions, driven by urbanization, a rising middle class, and policy initiatives like free trade agreements.Infrastructure investments—including the new $12 billion Bole International Airport expansion in Ethiopia—are critical for accommodating growth.The high cost of fuel in Africa remains a significant barrier but is coupled with efforts towards developing sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).Effective governance and professional management are vital; Ethiopian Airlines exemplifies a successful model.Collaboration among governments, the African Union, and industry players is accelerating policy harmonisation and regional market opening.Timestamps: 00:00 - The significance of establishing Boeing’s Africa office in Addis Ababa 07:00 - The prospects and headwinds facing African airlines today 09:00 - The role of Boeing and industry groups in supporting policy implementation (SATA, SAATM) 11:00 - Infrastructure investments in airports across Africa as growth enablers 13:00 - Governance and professionalism as keys to airline success 15:00 - Projected demand for 1,700 new aircraft in Africa over 20 years 17:00 - The importance of intra-African trade and low-cost carriers in the continent’s aviation landscape 20:00 - Training African professionals: Boeing’s initiatives and regional workforce development 23:00 - The rise of low-cost carriers and infrastructure strategies for affordable travel 25:00 - Fuel costs and the shift towards sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in Africa 29:00 - Policy gaps and the need for accelerated government action to unlock Africa’s aviation potential 32:00 - Boeing’s role in growing the aviation ecosystem and supporting local manufacturing 33:00 - Final thoughts on collaboration, professional management, and future opportunities

Africa Here and Now Aviation Special - we are asking why the sector is so problematic, what needs to be done to improve it and the huge potential it holds for the continent's development. KAMIL AL ALAWADHI, IATA Vice President for Africa and the Middle East shares insights into the unique hurdles facing African airlines, the impact of government policies, and strategies for sustainable growth across the continent. Discover how regional cooperation and safety initiatives are shaping the future of African aviation.My conversation with Kamil took place BEFORE the conflict in the Gulf. We discussed:*The role of IATA in aviation safety and sustainability *Key barriers to airline success in Africa: government interference, costs, and regulatory challenges*The importance of airline autonomy and strategic governance models in Africa*Success stories: Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Egypt’s airline development strategies*The impact of foreign investment and partnerships, including Qatar Airways*Blocked airline funds and recent progress in Nigeria*The significance and implementation challenges of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)*Safety initiatives and the focus on lowering accident rates in AfricaTimestamps:00:27 - What is IATA and its role in global aviation sustainability01:20 - Current assessment of Africa’s aviation sector and growth challenges01:57 - Government interference and the need for airline autonomy in Africa02:39 - How political barriers hamper airline success across the continent04:01 - Why operating costs and perceived risks impact profitability in Africa04:32 - The disparity in airline profitability: Middle East vs. Africa05:00 - Cost factors: fuel, insurance, salaries, and operational expenses06:17 - The effect of regulatory and tax policies on airline viability06:49 - How non-aviation government decisions affect the aviation industry07:27 - Success stories from Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Egypt’s airline governance08:27 - The partnership between Rwanda and Qatar Airways and its benefits09:23 - Blocked airline funds: progress with Nigeria and regulatory efforts10:11 - The importance of supportive legal frameworks and international conventions11:03 - The future outlook for airline funding and financial flows in Africa12:05 - Challenges and delays in implementing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)13:01 - The connection between open skies and Africa’s economic integration13:49 - Political hurdles to full regional aviation market liberalization14:19 - The need for industry-political collaboration and strategic leadership15:18 - The critical role of industry and government cooperation for success16:07 - Upcoming safety initiatives and safety performance in African aviation18:12 - Optimism for African aviation’s potential with continued effort and collaborationResources & Links:IATA - International Air Transport AssociationSAATM (Single African Air Transport Market) - African UnionCape Town Convention - Legal framework for aircraft leasingQatar Airways - Airline investment partner in Rwanda

Nigeria's Foreign Minister, YUSUF TUGGAR with his Ghanaian counterpart, SAMUEL ABLAKWA sat down with me at Chatham House to explore the complex security dynamics in West Africa, including threats from terror groups, regional cooperation efforts, and the importance of self-reliance and local solutions. Both ministers refuted suggestions that ECOWAS had been severely weakened by the exit of the three Sahelian states - Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger (AES). They revealed that there is regular contact with the AES and security arrangements are being made with their involvement.Earlier in the day, I had a 1+1 with Minister Tuggar and we delved deeper into Nigeria's regional security responsibilities and, more broadly, its approach to foreign policy. Key Topics:The proliferation of weapons and increasing attacks in the region, claiming at least 44 lives dailyThe role of regional military structures like the multinational joint task force and efforts to update security architecturesThe evolution of the ECOWAS security initiatives, including the new Coalition of the Willing and challenges faced by previous frameworks like the Accra InitiativeDiplomatic efforts to rebuild trust among countries in the Sahel, notably Nigeria's and Ghana's bilateral relations with Mali, Burkina Faso, and NigerThe importance of framing security issues as transnational violent extremism, not solely religious warfareThe need for regional ownership of security strategies, emphasising Nigeria’s leadership and contributionsAddressing root causes such as governance deficits, unemployment, and local economic development like infrastructure projectsThe global implications of regional insecurity, including energy markets and potential recession risksTimestamps:00:00 - The regional security crisis in West Africa and the need for multilateral collaboration00:36 - The daily toll of attacks and the impact on regional stability0:50 - Challenges of failed states, ungoverned spaces, and the epicenter of terror in the Sahel2:00 - Existing security architectures, including hot pursuit frameworks and cross-border cooperation3:42 - The evolving ECOWAS security initiatives, including the new Coalition of the Willing4:00 - The decline of the original Accra Initiative and political suspicions around regional efforts5:12 - Deployment of troops and the strategic approach to tackling insurgency6:36 - The importance of framing violent extremism beyond religious narratives7:22 - Nigeria's bilateral and regional security efforts and regional cooperation via ECOWAS8:52 - The cooperation among Sahelian countries and Nigeria’s engagement strategies9:08 - The significance of regional solutions led by African countries, avoiding externally imposed frameworks11:35 - The success of regional-led peacekeeping models like ECOMOG and local solutions12:40 - Challenges of cross-border conflicts like farmers versus herders and the need for coordinated approaches13:19 - Funding security efforts and Nigeria’s role in financing regional peace and stability14:14 - The strength of ECOWAS despite perceptions of weakening, and Nigeria’s historical leadership15:34 - Nigeria’s contributions to anti-colonial struggles and continental leadership recognition16:58 - Addressing root causes: governance, unemployment, and infrastructure development19:36 - Misunderstandings of Nigeria’s security situation in the West and global perceptions20:15 - The impact of global energy markets and the war in the Gulf on Africa’s economy21:17 - Mitigation strategies if critical regions like the Strait of Hormuz are compromised, including oil refinery developmentsResources & Links:

At 16, she was a policy volunteer. Today, Bogolo Joy Kenewendo is the economist rewriting the rules for De Beers and her country's diamond trade. In this exclusive interview, Botswana's visionary leader reveals why the "Diamond Era" is shifting—and how the country is racing to unearth a 70% unexplored frontier of critical minerals.We sit down at the 2026 Mining Indaba in Cape Town to discuss Botswana's seismic economic pivot under President Duma Boko. As the global market faces a diamond slump, Minister Kenewendo outlines a radical new strategy: moving beyond raw extraction into downstream beneficiation, regional power interconnectors, and the unearthing of green minerals like copper, nickel, and manganese.From the future of the De Beers partnership to the reality of Africa’s energy crisis and the "Kalahari Copper Belt," she outlines how she plans to navigate geopolitical turbulence while protecting Botswana's most valuable assets.Chapters:0:00 | The Diamond Dilemma: Why the monolith economy must pivot1:15 | The 70% Frontier: Unearthing Africa’s hidden minerals2:48 | Critical Minerals: Copper, Manganese, and the Green Revolution4:20 | Regional Collaboration: Mining in Zambia, DRC, and Sierra Leone5:50 | The Beneficiation Mandate: Why jewellery must be made in Botswana8:01 | The Career Trajectory: From youth delegate to Minister11:00 | Leading in a Male-Dominated Industry: “I stand my ground”12:45 | The New Social License: Beyond CSR and "School Shoes"14:30 | Nature Regeneration: Finalizing the new ESG policy16:03 | President Duma Boko’s Vision: Urgency and Diversification18:20 | Energy Security: The 500MW push for industrialization#botswana#diamonds#criticalminerals#mininginvestment#africa#