The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on African governments to place aviation at the centre of national development strategies, describing it as essential infrastructure that can unlock long-term economic and social progress across the continent.

Speaking at the Focus Africa Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, said aviation should be viewed as a catalyst for job creation, trade expansion, tourism growth, and regional integration.

He noted that a well-structured aviation strategy focused on safety, cost efficiency, energy security, sustainability, and a business-friendly regulatory environment would generate lasting economic benefits. According to him, these gains would outweigh short-term revenue considerations from taxation on passengers.

Safety improvements remain critical

While Africa has made progress in aviation safety, IATA highlighted that further improvement is needed. The region’s accident rate declined from 12.13 per million sectors in 2024 to 7.86 in 2025, yet it remains significantly above the global average of 1.32, making it the highest of any region.

IATA urged stronger implementation of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, noting that effective compliance across 46 of 48 Sub-Saharan African states stands at 60.34%, compared with the global average of 69.46% and a target of 75%.

The organisation also pointed to gaps in accident reporting, stating that only 19% of accident reports between 2019 and 2023 were completed, far below the global average of 63%. It stressed that delays or incomplete investigations limit access to safety lessons.

To address these challenges, IATA called for broader use of global safety programmes, including IOSA, ISSA, and ISAGO, to strengthen operational oversight and risk management.

High operating costs remain a barrier

IATA also raised concerns over the cost of doing business in African aviation, noting that taxes and charges imposed by governments and infrastructure providers are around 15% higher than the global average.

The association criticised rising passenger and data-related charges, including Tanzania’s API-PNR fee of $45 per one-way journey, described as the highest globally. Similar high charges were also reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya.

It further urged governments to implement the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) decision scheduled for December 2025 to eliminate aviation taxes and reduce selected charges by 25%, stressing the importance of full and timely execution.

IATA also recommended maintaining residence-based corporate taxation for airlines, warning that source-based taxation models under discussion at the United Nations could lead to double taxation due to the cross-border nature of aviation.

Regulatory barriers affecting operations

The organisation highlighted ongoing challenges in revenue repatriation, noting that airlines continue to face restrictions despite international agreements guaranteeing access to earned funds.

As of March 2026, Africa accounted for the largest share of globally blocked airline funds, totalling $774 million. The highest amounts were recorded in Algeria ($258 million), followed by the XAF Zone ($105 million), Mozambique ($82 million), Eritrea ($78 million), and Angola ($73 million).

Alawadhi stressed the need for urgent action in Algeria, saying industry engagement with authorities had so far produced limited progress, while airlines continued to comply with complex requirements.

Visa restrictions were also identified as a major obstacle, with nearly half of intra-African travel still requiring prior visas, limiting mobility, tourism growth, and regional economic integration.

Sustainability and energy opportunities

On sustainability, IATA highlighted opportunities for Africa in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and global carbon market participation.

The organisation noted that Africa could supply up to 57.6 million Eligible Emission Units (EEUs) under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), potentially generating significant climate finance. However, only a limited number of countries, including Tanzania, Malawi, Rwanda, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Madagascar, and Nigeria, have begun participation.

In addition, IATA said Sub-Saharan Africa could produce up to 106 million tonnes of SAF-compatible feedstock by 2050, using agricultural residues, forestry waste, and municipal solid waste. With supportive policies and infrastructure investment, current renewable fuel capacity could scale significantly, creating jobs and improving energy security.

Source: ZAWYA

The General Authority of Customs (GAC) has confirmed that comprehensive regulatory measures are firmly in place to ensure the uninterrupted entry of goods and commodities into the country, safeguarding supply chain continuity and maintaining a steady flow of imports.

According to the authority, close coordination is ongoing with relevant government entities to reinforce supply chain resilience and streamline customs procedures. GAC has strengthened its operational presence across all entry points — including land, sea, and air routes — to facilitate the smooth clearance of shipments, with particular priority given to essential commodities such as food and medical supplies.

In response to regional challenges and risks associated with maritime routes, the use of land corridors has been significantly expanded to reduce dependence on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The authority continues to implement expedited customs clearance processes while diversifying import sources, ensuring that perishable goods remain consistently available despite disruptions in sea transport. Additionally, the International Road Transport (TIR) system has been activated at the Abu Samra border crossing to further enhance the efficiency of cross-border cargo movement.

GAC has urged logistics and cargo operators to register under the TIR system, highlighting its ability to cut waiting times at border checkpoints by up to 90%, thereby accelerating cargo handling and maintaining a stable inflow of goods. All clearance procedures, the authority emphasized, are conducted in accordance with internationally recognized standards.

To further support efficiency, GAC has introduced dedicated fast-track lanes for essential goods, implemented round-the-clock customs operations, and simplified inspection and documentation requirements—while maintaining stringent quality controls.

Officials reassured that there is no risk of shortages in key commodities, particularly food, pharmaceuticals, and raw materials for local industries. They noted that the country’s supply network remains robust and diversified, supported by multiple sourcing channels and transport routes, ensuring reliable alternatives even amid potential regional escalation.

The authority also underscored its well-established crisis management framework, backed by advanced digital systems. Central to this is the Al Nadeeb electronic customs platform, which integrates government agencies and private sector stakeholders into a unified digital interface. The platform allows for online submission of documents, electronic payments, and approvals, significantly reducing processing times and minimizing the need for physical inspections.

In March alone, GAC processed a total of 255,080 customs declarations. The Al Nadeeb platform recorded 1,179 active users, while the customer service centre handled 790 transactions. During the same period, authorities reported 44 seizure cases.

Meanwhile, the domestic retail market continues to demonstrate strong stability, with no indications of shortages. Essential goods, including both food and non-food items, remain widely available across retail outlets nationwide, with prices largely stable compared to pre-crisis levels.

Authorities attributed this to swift and coordinated government action, effective collaboration with the private sector, and rigorous market monitoring measures aimed at preventing price manipulation and ensuring consumer protection.

Source: gulf-times

The Council of Ministers Secretariat General has released the official working hours for government entities during the Holy Month of Ramadan 2026. Government employees will observe a five-hour workday, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

To provide flexibility, employees may begin their workday as late as 10:00 AM, provided they complete the full five-hour schedule and fulfill all work responsibilities.

In addition, up to 30% of government staff are permitted to work remotely. Priority for remote work will be given to Qatari mothers and individuals with disabilities, while ensuring that the operational needs of each entity are met.

The Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education will determine their own working hours and schedules based on specific operational requirements.

The Council also reminded private sector employees to coordinate with their respective human resources departments regarding Ramadan working arrangements.

This announcement aims to balance employee well-being during Ramadan with the continued delivery of public services across Qatar.

Visit Qatar has concluded the 2026 edition of Brouq, its signature desert experience, after attracting over 60,000 visitors throughout the winter season. The 77-day event, which ran until 10 February, drew 61,121 attendees, reaffirming its place as one of Qatar’s most popular open-air attractions during the cooler months.

Set against the scenic desert backdrop, Brouq 2026 offered a dynamic mix of adventure, culture, and entertainment. Among its main highlights, the Desert Escape Zone featured a 25-metre Adventure Tower, a new zipline experience, open-air dining venues, and an ongoing schedule of live performances. It was one of five new areas introduced this year to add more variety and excitement to the experience.

The Film City Zone brought local culture to life through falcon photo opportunities, henna art, traditional music, and storytelling sessions. Across the site, visitors could take part in more than 500 activities and workshops, many designed for families and younger audiences. Puppet shows, face painting, and caricature drawing helped create a lively and welcoming atmosphere for children.

This year’s edition also unveiled several new features, including the Sunset Lounge, Brouq Wildlife Reserve, Mini Safari Cars, and the Family Majlis, expanding the range of things to see and do. The activation was further supported by 24 food, beverage and retail vendors, making it a complete outing for families and groups.

Visit Qatar said Brouq continues to support the country’s tourism goals by enriching the local leisure offering, encouraging residents and visitors to explore more of Qatar, and adding momentum to the nation’s year-round events calendar.

The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) recently hosted a comprehensive technical workshop in collaboration with Jeppesen, the internationally recognized provider of aeronautical charting solutions.

This initiative was convened to address the recent amendments to ICAO Annex 14, which governs aerodrome design and operations, and Annex 15, covering Aeronautical Information Services, ensuring that Qatar’s aviation stakeholders remain fully informed of evolving international regulatory frameworks and best practices.

The session was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the implications of these regulatory updates for aerodrome infrastructure, aeronautical data dissemination, and the preparation of navigation material critical for safe and efficient flight operations.

By enhancing technical competencies, QCAA aims to support alignment with global standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and to reinforce Qatar’s commitment to maintaining world‑class aviation safety, efficiency, and compliance.

Representatives from key aviation entities—including the Air Navigation Department, Qatar Airways, and Hamad International Airport—actively engaged in the workshop, exchanging insights and practical perspectives on integrating the latest Annex requirements into their operational processes.

This collaborative forum also facilitated discussions on the practical application of updated aeronautical information services and charting procedures, which are essential for accurate flight planning and air traffic management.

The workshop underlines QCAA’s ongoing efforts to foster continuous professional development and strengthen coordination among national aviation stakeholders, thereby supporting Qatar’s broader objectives in aviation safety, regulatory excellence, and adherence to international civil aviation best practices.

The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) has organized a comprehensive awareness and training workshop for inspectors specializing in travel and air cargo agencies under its Air Transport Department. The event, held from January 26 to 28, 2026, seeks to strengthen regulatory oversight within Qatar’s aviation and travel sectors while enhancing institutional efficiency in line with global standards.

The three-day program aims to deepen inspectors’ understanding of the newly enacted law governing travel and air cargo agencies, as well as its executive regulations. Participants are being introduced to updated procedures covering agency licensing, renewal processes, operational compliance, and inspection methodologies.

The agenda also includes discussions on monitoring mechanisms for ensuring adherence to national regulations and the proper licensing of international distribution system companies authorized to operate in Qatar.

In addition, the sessions address the technical and safety requirements related to the transport of dangerous goods, ensuring that operations across the sector remain fully aligned with the safety frameworks and best practices established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Through interactive presentations and case studies, the workshop highlights the vital role inspectors play in overseeing industry standards and enforcing compliance. The program also aims to enhance participants’ analytical and field inspection skills, enabling them to carry out their duties more effectively and contribute to raising the overall quality of regulatory performance across the aviation ecosystem.

This initiative forms part of the QCAA’s continuous professional development plan aimed at upgrading the competencies of its workforce and fostering a culture of excellence in regulatory practices. It also supports the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, which emphasizes human capital development and the advancement of skilled national professionals capable of driving sustainable growth in strategically important sectors such as civil aviation.

By investing in advanced training and awareness initiatives, the QCAA reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the highest levels of safety, efficiency, and service quality within Qatar’s rapidly expanding aviation and travel industries.