US, April 29 -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on African governments to place aviation at the center of their economic strategies, emphasizing its critical role in driving long-term development, regional integration, and job creation.

Speaking at the Focus Africa Conference in Addis Ababa, Kamil Alawadhi underscored aviation's broader economic value beyond immediate tax revenues.

"Aviation is economic infrastructure for Africa," Alawadhi said. "An aviation strategy focused on safety, cost-competitiveness, energy sustainability, and ease of doing business will create jobs, enable trade, support tourism, and strengthen regional integration."

A Call for a Comprehensive Aviation Strategy IATA outlined a four...