Cutting Taxes: The Key to Boosting African Air Travel – Girma Wake

At the Economic Commission for Africa Conference of Ministers 2025, Girma Wake, former CEO and chairman of Ethiopian Airlines, urged a complete reform of Africa’s air transport taxation system. He argued that high taxes and charges are driving up ticket prices and hindering industry growth. “Taxes and charges on air transport in Africa are very high. In some cases, 30% of the ticket price comes from taxes. When taxes go down, prices will also go down, allowing more people to travel and enabling airlines to grow,” Wake said.

Wake’s comments shed light on a persistent issue in the continent’s aviation industry. With taxes making up as much as 30% of ticket prices, many would-be travelers are unable to afford air travel, shrinking the market and preventing airlines from growing their operations.

In Cotonou, taxes can reach 92,560 CFA francs for economy flights within ECOWAS and 128,560 CFA francs for first-class tickets to non-ECOWAS countries. Abidjan imposes the lowest taxes; 30,000 CFA francs for African destinations, rising to 52,500 CFA francs for others. Lomé’s charges range from 37,500to 42,500 CFA francs.

In Ghana however, there is a $20 maintenance fee taken at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA ), which has faced criticism, with some lawmakers describing it as illegal since it was not approved by Parliament. It still remains in effect as of 2025

Lowering these taxes, Wake contends, could yield substantial benefits. Reduced ticket prices would not only make flying more accessible to a broader segment of the population but also stimulate increased travel demand—bolstering tourism, enhancing business connectivity, and spurring economic growth across the region. Airlines, benefiting from reduced operational costs, could reinvest in fleet upgrades, expand route networks, and improve overall service quality, thereby positioning African carriers to compete more effectively on the global stage.

Industry analysts agree that easing the tax burden could transform the African aviation landscape. By lowering costs, governments would encourage higher passenger volumes, which in turn would create jobs, attract foreign investment, and strengthen the continent’s competitive position in international markets.

The results of these tax cuts could pave the way for a more vibrant, dynamic air transport sector, one that not only facilitates easier travel for millions but also drives broader economic development.

Source: The High Street Business