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The Digest:

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has directed member states to fully implement a 25% reduction in regional air transport charges, effective from January 1, 2026.

Key Points:
  • ECOWAS has mandated member states to enforce a 25% cut in passenger and security charges for regional flights from January 2026.
  • The directive was issued at the bloc's 68th ordinary session in Abuja, confirming a decision first made in June 2025.
  • The move targets high airfare costs; a 2024 study ranked West Africa as the world's most expensive region to fly from.
  • The top 10 most expensive countries for ticket taxes and fees include Gabon, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Niger, Benin, Senegal, Liberia, Guinea, and Ghana.
  • ECOWAS leaders also directed the removal of all taxes levied on air transport services, citing ICAO principles.
  • The bloc's commission will work with national ministries of finance and transport to ensure uniform compliance.
  • Central and Western Africa together accounted for 18.5% of Africa's air traffic in Q1 2025.
This regional policy shift seeks to transform West African skies from a zone of high cost to a corridor of greater integration and accessibility.

Sources: The Cable, Business Post