AFRICA RISING Ethiopian Airlines & AFRAA host Aviation Stakeholders Convention

Text by Perry Kaande

The 11th Aviation Stakeholders Convention on African Aviation Associations (AFRAA) scheduled to take place from 7 to 9 May at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa Ethiopia this year is likely to set the tone for championing Africa’s airline industry. The Convention, which is being hosted by Ethiopian Airlines and AFRAA with the support of the Government of Ethiopia, will be held under the theme: ‘Changing the African Aviation Narrative’.

In a press statement released by the airline in April 2023, Ethiopian Airlines group chief executive officer Mesfin Bekele noted that the Convention is an apt platform for discussions relating to changing the narrative regarding the continent’s aviation industry.

“We are delighted to host the 11th Aviation Stakeholders’ Convention of AFRAA which will serve as a forum for stakeholders in the industry to put their heads together and discuss the opportunities and pressing issues in Africa’s aviation sector. The forum will showcase the ‘Africa Rising’ mantra manifested in the growing opportunities for all stakeholders in the continent’s aviation industry,” he remarked.

As a market, Africa’s share over several decades has remained stagnant at less than 3 percent of the world market hence it is envisaged that it is time to take action to change this narrative. The continent accounts for 16 percent of the world population and its low share of global trade of 2 percent offers the continent a great opportunity to develop air transport.

Secretary General of the AFRAA, Abdérahmane Berthé concurred, emphasising that dialogue among stakeholders is critical.

“AFRAA and Ethiopian Airlines are excited to stage this Convention for the travel ecosystem stakeholders to meet, deliberate on strategies to enhance efficiencies, create synergies, develop intraAfrica connectivity and ensure business continuity that will redefine the narrative of Africa air transport industry” he pointed out.

The event will gather over 400 delegates from Africa and across the globe that include several African airline CEOs and aviation industry thought leaders. It is considered to be one of Africa’s leading forums for air transport industry stakeholders to dialogue, exchange knowledge and experiences for the development of the travel ecosystem. It is an opportunity for delegates to network and discuss developments in the industry and forge business partnerships.

Data gleaned from a World Bank report in 2020 shows that airlines on the Sub Saharan Continent carried close to 25 million passengers from a peak of about 66 million previously.

AFRAA stated in its Air Transport Report 2020 that among the 54 countries in the African continent, 13 have direct flights to more than 20 African countries. Ethiopia and Kenya lead with 30 direct flights and more to other countries within Africa. However, the intra-African connectivity remains poor and African airlines should take the opportunity to develop their IntraAfrican Network especially when travel to destinations further afield is limited.

The organisers also revealed that the programme covers various activities such as the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) event aimed at empowering the next generation of aviators at the Ethiopian University and exhibitions showcasing aviation-related products and solutions.

AFRAA is the trade association of airlines from the member states of the African Union (AU) comprising a membership of 48 airlines. Its mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry. The Association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable Air Transport industry in Africa where African Airlines become key players and drivers to African economic development. The Association members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines.

Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) once known as Ethiopian Air Lines (EAL) is the flag carrier of Ethiopia and the fastest growing Airline in Africa. In addition to its main hub Bole in Addis Ababa it is pursuing a multi-hub strategy through its presence in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka with Zambia Airways. Ethiopian operates the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. The fleet consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft with an average fleet age of seven years. The airline has scooped several industry awards such as Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award for five consecutive years. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2011 and is an affiliate of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

International Aviation Team Evaluates Zim Airports

Zimbabwe’s aviation sector continues to make headway in improving its standards and image, with a team from the International Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recently in the country to assess airports around the country, in particular the three flagship airports RGMIA, VFIA, and the JMNIA.

The team was in the country for a week and led a workshop attended by stakeholders within the local air transport industry. The focus was to look at whether levels of compliance at our airports were in line with those of the first world concerning operational standards and health awareness.

With the mandate to strengthen global aviation, especially planning, and development, ICAO’s mandate has since the organisation’s formation decades ago, seen the global aviation sector rise in influence and capacity. The aviation industry organisation also wants member countries, especially around Africa, to prioritise compliance with international standards.

The ICAO team engaged members of the aviation sector on ways to strengthen the sector’s capacity and the importance of complying with global standards.

Tourism Innovation Challenge 2023 Open Call for Entries

Zimbabwean youths have sustainable ideas that can transform our tourism! They have demonstrated this since the commencement of the Tourism Innovation Challenge three years ago.

The competition is now calling for entries for the 2023 Tourism Innovation Challenge which opened on 15 March and will close on 15 May, thereby raising hopes among the target audience of ages 30 and below.

Harnessing Innovation for Sustainability is the theme of the third installment of the youth-focused and entrepreneurial competition. Since its launch in 2021, the competition has proved its worth as scores walked away with funding that has gone on to help in establishing winning projects. While the ICT-connected projects showcase the potential for commercial activity growth for Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, they also can help to create jobs.

The competition empowers young people and is expected to assist the country’s post-Covid recovery endeavours, as it seeks to bounce back from the low numbers of visitors experienced in the last three years.

As a high number of youths demonstrate a strong appetite for innovation, Zimbabwe continues to experience new projects by young people and the tourism industry has not been left out. The youths have therefore been recognised as a segment of society that will eventually take Zimbabwe to the next level of tech-driven industrial growth and economic development.

Four prizes are given at the national level, while one is for the provincial level, allowing as many youths to participate.

How to participate in the challenge:

Stage 1. Call to Action / Submission

Upload a project proposal of not more than 1000 words with the focus on sustainable tourism on www.zimbabwetourism. net/innovation.

Submissions are open from 15 March to 15 May 2023 for youth participants aged 30 and below.

Stage 2. Selection Process (3 Phases)

1. Pre-Evaluation of Project Proposals. Project proposals relating to sustainable tourism are selected

2. Provincial Adjudication Process , Provincial Price USD $1000 , Selected projects in phase 1 will then be adjudicated online or physically by a panel of adjudicators drawn from the province, provincial winners are announced and proceed to the national finals.

3. National Adjudication Process, All the provincial winners will pitch their projects before a panel of national judges. National winners will then be selected.

Stage 3. The Grand Finale

Winners from the National Adjudication process will then be announced and awarded their prices.

1. 1ST US$5000, 2ND US$2,500, 3RD US$1,500

2. Incubation and mentorship programs for six months.

3. Other consolidated prizes