Bolt taps insider for top job

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Bolt taps insider for top job

Staff Writer - October 16, 2019

Taxi-hailing firm has officially announced the appointment of Kenneth Micah as the Regional Manager for East Africa. Mr Micah who has been working at the...

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By Samson Oyugi Africa’s largest hydroelectric project The GERD, located on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia with a capacity of 5,150–6,450 MW and a reservoir holding up to 74 billion cubic meters of water is set for inauguration on 9th September 2025 after the completion of the construction works that began in 2011. The dam has been a source of pride for Ethiopia, funded domestically through bonds and public contributions, and is expected to double the country’s electricity output and even enabling energy exports to neighboring countries such as Sudan, Kenya, and Djibouti. The project sparked tensions with downstream nations of Egypt and Sudan, who fear it could reduce their Nile water supply. Egypt relies on the Nile for 97% of its water needs and has referred to the dam as an “existential threat” and labeled its operation without a binding agreement as a violation of international law. Sudan had also expressed concerns, though it has oscillated due to potential benefits like regulated water flows that could reduce on its perennial flooding . Despite years of negotiations, no legally binding agreement on the dam’s operation has been reached after meetings of negotiations up to the African Union level. Ethiopia through Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has described the dam as a “shared opportunity” for regional cooperation and has extended an invitation to African countries including Egypt and Sudan to it's inauguration. Through his address on the ongoing preparations read to the media in Kenya by the Ethiopian Ambassador to Kenya His excellency Demeke Atnafu Ambulo he said, "Africa should be proud of such an infrastructure that is going to benefit not only Ethiopia but the greater East Africa region and even beyond economically hence solving African problems using African solutions just as Ethiopia has shown". The GERD’s completion marks a significant milestone to Ethiopia’s energy ambitions with its population projected to grow to 240 million by the year 2030 from current 130 million with half the population connected to reliable energy. With the increase in population, their energy demand will too increase.

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The liberalization of Africa’s air transport market, as envisioned through the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), is not just an aspirational goal — it is an economic necessity. A unified African sky, underpinned by the Joint Prioritized Action Plan (JPAP), promises to reduce travel costs for passengers, enhance connectivity, and catalyze economic growth and cultural exchange across the continent. The success of this initiative hinges on the active support and collaboration of governments, airlines and aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing. The need for SAATM stems from longstanding challenges in Africa’s aviation sector: limited intra-African connectivity, high travel costs, fragmented regulations, constrained aircraft financing, and underdeveloped aviation infrastructure. These barriers have confined trade, tourism, economic and social integration for decades. Aircraft manufacturers have a responsibility to help address these issues through policy engagement, partnerships, capacity building, and technology. We take pride in our role not just as fleet suppliers but critical enablers of the ecosystem and skills that Africa’s aviation industry needs to thrive. Significant progress has already been achieved; 37 African countries, representing over 80% of the continent’s aviation market, have joined the SAATM initiative. Key regulatory frameworks are in place, including those for fair competition and consumer protection. Capacity-building programs for aviation professionals and improvements in safety standards are now aligned with international benchmarks. However, to unlock SAATM's full potential, sustained efforts are needed to address lingering challenges such as high operational costs, infrastructure gaps, and protectionist policies. Boeing is committed to contribute meaningfully in this regard. Collaboration is a major lever. Aircraft manufacturers partner with governments and regional bodies to highlight the benefits of a liberalized air transport market. As an example, Boeing is an active participant in the African Aviation Industry Group. The group encourages more countries to commit to SAATM and work towards harmonizing regulatory standards, creating a more unified and efficient aviation ecosystem in Africa. Air safety is one more area of collaboration across the continent. Aircraft manufacturers including Boeing support African countries in achieving the international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and help enhance regional air safety working closely with airlines and organizations like African Airlines Association (AFRAA). Fleet modernization is another key area where aircraft manufacturers can make a significant impact. Partnering with African airlines helps renew fleets with fuel-efficient and versatile aircraft designed to meet the continent's unique operational requirements. Modernized fleets reduce operational costs and emissions and make air travel more competitive, accessible, and sustainable, a critical factor for the success of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Capacity building is another essential contribution. Training programs for pilots, engineers, airline management, and other aviation professionals are vital to supporting the sector’s rapid growth and elevating passenger experience. Aircraft manufacturers, with their expertise and resources, are well-positioned to deliver world-class training and share best practices – and we are spearheading these efforts. Additionally, community engagement programs for African youth provide systemic improvement in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) education and economic empowerment, directly feeding the talent pipeline. All these initiatives equip Africa’s aviation workforce with the skills needed to ensure a robust, safe and capable industry. Finally, infrastructure enhancement is another important building block to SAATM. By providing counsel and data-driven analytics, aircraft manufacturers can assist in modernizing airports and air traffic management systems. This ensures the infrastructure is prepared to handle the anticipated increase in air traffic, enhancing safety and facilitating smoother, more efficient operations across the continent. A fully realized SAATM will enable seamless travel and economic growth, fostering unity, and positioning Africa as a competitive player in the global aviation industry. The collaborative efforts of the African Union Commission and its implementing agency, the African Civil Aviation Commission, national governments, civil aviation authorities, the African Development Bank, African Airlines Association, airlines, and aircraft manufacturers through the Joint Prioritized Action Plan in support of SAATM are pivotal in achieving this vision. Working together, we can ensure Africa’s aviation renaissance and the realization of the African Union vision, Agenda 2063: an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

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Bolt taps insider for top job

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