Africa’s push to build a single continental air market will only pay off for businesses if the skies above it are managed efficiently. That is the message at the CANSO Africa Conference 2026, where air navigation service providers, regulators and airlines are agreeing on which reforms and investments to prioritise first, and moving from policy commitments to delivery.
For businesses, the stakes go well beyond aviation. More efficient airspace management underpins reliable airline schedules, faster movement of people and high-value cargo, stronger tourism and trade links, and Africa’s ability to capture more value from an integrating continental market.
Translating that opportunity into results means countries must prioritise essential air traffic management (ATM) capabilities, coordinate investments, deepen operational cooperation and keep modernisation in step with demand.
“Africa doesn’t need more vision documents; it needs clear priorities and a realistic path to deliver them,” said Thabani Myeza, CANSO Director, Africa Affairs. “The CANSO Africa Conference 2026 is about agreeing on those priorities together and making sure our skies are ready to support the growth SAATM will bring.”
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Andrea Sack, CANSO Senior Vice President Global Operations, said practical implementation and regional ownership would be critical.
“Transformation only works when it is practical, collaborative and driven by the region itself,” Sack said. “Nairobi gives us the chance to connect Africa’s priorities with global initiatives and to make sure no one is left behind as we modernise.”
Dr Serah Waitiki, Director of the East African School of Aviation, said that investment must extend beyond technology and infrastructure to the workforce.
“As air traffic grows and aviation evolves, we must strengthen training, develop the next generation of aviation professionals and equip our workforce with the competencies needed to deliver safe, efficient and resilient air navigation services. Regional collaboration will be critical to building this capacity and ensuring Africa is ready for the future of aviation,” said Dr Waitiki.
The three-day conference, running 13–15 October at the Argyle Grand Hotel, Nairobi Airport, is held under the theme “Practical Implementation Pathways – ATM Transformation and the ANSP Changing Landscape.” It comes as countries advance the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), the African Union initiative to liberalise air transport and strengthen connectivity between African markets.
Progress, organisers say, will depend on agreeing on common priorities, coordinating investments and strengthening the ability of neighbouring countries to share operational information and manage traffic across borders.
