African Air Transport Liberalisation: The Yamoussoukro Decision

This chapter delves into the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD), a landmark agreement aimed at liberalising air transport across the African continent, tracing its historical roots and examining its impact and challenges. It begins by exploring the evolution of civil aviation policy in Africa, from the era of strict national sovereignty to bilateral regulation and the gradual shift towards deregulation, emphasising the colonial legacy that initially focused on connections with Europe rather than intra-African connectivity. The chapter highlights significant milestones such as the Chicago Convention, the formation of Air Afrique, and regional efforts like ASECNA, which laid the groundwork for collaborative air transport initiatives. It details the phases of the Yamoussoukro Declaration, aimed at airline cooperation and eventual integration, by presenting the challenges in its implementation. The Decision’s objectives for liberalisation, including the free exercise of air rights and safety standards alignment, are outlined, reflecting a shared vision for a unified air transport market in Africa. However, the chapter critically assesses the varying degrees of implementation across African states, the challenges of regulatory fragmentation, and the role of regional economic communities (RECs) in driving liberalisation efforts. Despite the ambitious goals of the YD, the chapter concludes with a reflection on the complexities of achieving a fully liberalised and integrated African air transport market, underscored by the diverse economic, political, and infrastructural landscape of the continent.