Africa: Trade Minister Calls for Lower Air Travel Costs Across Africa

What the report says

Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Antoine Marie Kajangwe, urged African governments to cut taxes, fees and levies on air travel, arguing that high ticket costs are making it harder for people to move, do business and build broader economic ties across the continent. The remarks were reported by The New Times and distributed by AllAfrica.

Kajangwe spoke at the closing session of the two-day African Mindset Reset Forum in Kigali on August 26, where he said Rwanda was prepared to work with other countries and private-sector partners to help lower aviation costs and advance the Single African Air Transport Market. He also suggested Rwanda could act on its own if needed, while noting that many aviation charges are tied to government revenue needs and infrastructure spending.

He linked the discussion to wider regional integration goals, including the African Continental Free Trade Area. According to the report, Kajangwe said the trade pact has moved beyond a framework and is now being put into practice, but the next challenge is turning that into more visible trade growth and benefits for communities and businesses.

He also used the forum to call for a more results-driven approach to policymaking in Africa, saying governments should focus on practical delivery rather than repeated meetings without clear outcomes. In general, the issue matters because air connectivity is seen as an important factor in trade, tourism and mobility across Africa.