Air Transport in Africa: Supporting 8.1M Jobs and Contributing $75B to GDP
2.9% of global traffic, 1.4 million flights, and 5 million tourism jobs supported by visitors flying to Africa
The “Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders 2024” report by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) and Oxford Economics provides a comprehensive analysis of the economic and social benefits of aviation across Africa.
The report states that in 2023, air transport supported 8.1 million jobs and contributed $75 billion to Africa’s GDP, which is approximately 2.6% of the continent’s total GDP. Every person directly employed in the aviation sector supported another 22 jobs elsewhere in Africa.
Similarly, for every $1 of gross value added (GVA) directly created by the air transport sector, $5.30 of economic activity was supported elsewhere in Africa.
Employment Breakdown
According to the report, the aviation sector in Africa directly employed around 360,000 people in 2023:
- 200,000 (56%) were employed by airlines or handling agents.
- 53,000 (15%) had jobs with airport operators.
- 75,000 (21%) worked on-site in airports.
- 17,000 (5%) were employed in the manufacture of civil aircraft.
- 13,000 (4%) worked for air navigation service providers.
Indirect Economic Impact
The aviation sector’s spending with suppliers is estimated to have supported an additional 1.2 million jobs and a $13 billion gross value-added contribution to GDP.
Furthermore, wage payments to staff by the aviation sector and its supply chain supported another 1.5 million jobs and an $8.3 billion gross value-added contribution to GDP, according to the “Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders 2024” report.
Tourism Impact
The report highlights that aviation facilitates substantial tourism in Africa.
In 2023, spending by foreign visitors who travelled by air supported 5 million jobs and contributed $42 billion to GDP. This underscores the vital role of aviation in promoting tourism and economic activity across the continent.
Total Economic Impact
Combining direct, indirect, wage expenditure, and tourism impacts, the aviation sector supported 8.1 million jobs and contributed $75 billion to GDP in Africa in 2023, according to the report.
Future Projections
Looking ahead, the “Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders 2024” report forecasts significant growth in the aviation sector.
By 2043, the sector’s direct contribution to Africa’s GDP is expected to grow by 4.9% annually. Employment in aviation is projected to rise from 360,000 to 840,000, supporting broader economic growth.
Oxford Economics projects that by 2043, the impact of air transport and tourism will support 16 million jobs and contribute $190 billion to GDP.
Key Statistics
- 2.9% share of global passenger traffic.
- 8.1 million jobs supported by aviation
- $75 billion added to GDP, driving 2.6% of the continent’s economy.
- 1.4 million flights, 3 million flight movements at airports.
- Facilitating travel for 110 million passengers, with 221 million airport movements annually.
- 196 airlines, 383 commercial airports, 36 air navigation service providers.
- 5 million jobs linked to tourism, contributing $42 billion to GDP
- 73% average regional passenger load factor.
- 1.2 million tonnes of cargo moved.
