The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is planning to reduce taxes related to air transport.
Transport ministers of ECOWAS member states gathered to address ways to create a more affordable and competitive air transport sector for West Africa. Air transport costs were found to be the highest on the continent and in the world.
ECOWAS member states comprise Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
“The current cost structure of air transport in our region is unsustainable and limits our ability to achieve deeper integration as a result of the inability of citizens to afford air transport,” said ECOWAS Director of Transport, Chris Appiah.
Members all agreed the plan to reduce taxes, which should reduce ticket prices by 25%. These reforms will be presented to the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government for final endorsement at the ECOWAS December 2024 summit.
