The African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) has announced the commencement of Ms. Adefunke Adeyemi’s second term as Secretary General, a powerful vote of confidence in her leadership and a strategic commitment to advancing a unified African aviation sector.
Effective September 1, 2025, her new three-year mandate is set to build upon the significant strides made during her first term, reinforcing her role as a key driver of the African Union’s ambitious Agenda 2063 goals for continental integration.
“It is an honour to continue serving Africa and its people through aviation and AFCAC,” Ms. Adeyemi said shortly after receiving news of her reappointment.
“As we advance the full implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), strengthen aviation Safety, Security, Air Transport and champion Environmental Sustainability, resilience and inclusion, I remain deeply committed to contributing towards a unified Africa aviation,” she added.
Unlocking Africa’s Economic Potential
At the heart of Ms. Adeyemi’s mission is the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), the African Union’s flagship initiative to liberalise air transport across the continent.
According to Ms. Adeyemi, SAATM aims to create a unified market by lifting restrictions on market access, air traffic rights, and flight capacity, thereby enabling airlines to operate more freely between African nations.
This is a crucial step towards implementing the Yamoussoukro Decision, a landmark policy that has been in progress for over two decades. The benefits of a fully operational SAATM are immense.
According to an IATA study, liberalising air transport among just a fraction of African states could lead to a significant increase in passenger traffic, create thousands of new jobs in aviation and tourism, and boost the GDP of participating nations.
SAATM is thus viewed as a vital complement to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), providing the essential air connectivity needed to facilitate trade and boost intra-African commerce, which currently lags behind other continents.
A Blueprint for the Future
Ms. Adeyemi’s reappointment reflects the confidence of AFCAC’s Bureau and African Union member states in her strategic vision. During her first term, she has made substantial progress in critical areas like:
Accelerating SAATM
She has been credited with accelerating the operationalisation of the single market, engaging stakeholders, and driving the political will needed to move the initiative forward despite challenges like political protectionism and regulatory barriers.
Strengthening Safety and Security
AFCAC has enhanced support for member states in aviation safety oversight and security compliance, a non-negotiable prerequisite for a liberalised market.
Building Partnerships
Ms. Adeyemi has strengthened partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Air Transport Users Council (AUC), International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and sister organisations from other regions, fostering a collaborative approach to solving continental challenges.
Before her AFCAC role, Ms. Adeyemi had a distinguished career at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), where she served as Regional Director for Africa.
This background, along with her early advocacy for SAATM and AfCFTA, has provided her with a deep understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities, enabling her to champion a unified, efficient, and sustainable aviation sector.
The Path to Driving Agenda 2063
In her second term, Ms. Adeyemi’s mandate will be to not only reinforce these achievements but also champion equitable and inclusive policies. This includes a focus on:
Environmental Sustainability: Advocating for climate action and a greener aviation sector.
Youth Empowerment and Gender Equity: Promoting a more inclusive industry that offers opportunities for Africa’s youth and women.
Strengthening Resilience: Building a sector that is prepared to withstand global shocks and disruptions.
Her leadership is seen as critical for reinforcing AFCAC’s role as a unifying voice and a key driver of the African Union’s ambitious Agenda 2063, which envisions an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa.