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Safer and easier air travel across Africa in collaboration with the European Union

The European Union (EU) and the African Union Commission (AUC) have taken an important  step forward in working together to make air travel across Africa safer, easier, and more sustainable. Leaders from both organisations met on Wednesday, 23 September 2026 in Addis Ababa for the first official steering committee meeting of a new initiative called EU-SASA (European Union Support to the Aviation Sector in Africa). The meeting gathered key aviation groups, safety agencies, regional leadership, and industry experts. Together, they agreed on a clear plan to turn political promises into real action.

First Project Steering Committee Group Photo
© © EU Delegation to the AU, 2026

The main goal of the EU-SASA is to turn major agreements like the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) into practical improvements on the ground. By making flights within Africa easier and better connected, this will boost business, trade, tourism, and safe travel across the continent, in line with the AU-EU Partnership. This will also strengthen connections between Africa and Europe while supporting the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Backed by €10 million from the EU over five years, the project builds on past work done with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Beyond ensuring closer  flight rules and safety standards, the EU-SASA will focus on long-term benefits: building stronger airports and aviation systems, training aviation professionals, adopting modern digital tools, and protecting the environment.

Read more about the programme here: EU Support to the Aviation Sector in Africa (EU-SASA) | EASA