COPA COCA-COLA CUP OF NATIONS SHOWPIECE TO BE STAGED IN KENYA

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COPA COCA-COLA CUP OF NATIONS SHOWPIECE TO BE STAGED IN KENYA

Special Correspondent - December 4, 2018

The inaugural tournament is a convergence of soccer talent from around the continent in a move that aims to tap into the immense potential...

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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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Christine Gakii is a BIMAS customer from Mukothima, Tharaka North, Tharaka Nithi County. Her journey with BIMAS Microfinance began in 2014, after her life had taken a dramatic turn. Family disputes had stripped her of everything, leaving her in a state of despair. Just when all seemed lost, a trusted friend guided her towards BIMAS Microfinance. Her journey with BIMAS began with a modest loan of Ksh 30,000, which she invested in her dream of starting a cereal farm. Through hard work and perseverance, she repaid her loans faithfully and steadily climbed the loan tiers. Her farm flourished, expanding across multiple plots of land. With courage, she ventured into a new frontier: a pork butchery with a small kitchenette. Her determination paid off, and the business thrived. Seeing her dedication, BIMAS went further, helping her acquire a motorbike to transport her products more efficiently. As her pork business grew, the daily slaughtering of pigs demanded more water. Recognizing her relentless commitment, BIMAS provided funding for a water tank and an energy saving Jiko for her kitchenette. Christine's journey is truly inspiring. Despite facing many challenges, she has risen above them all. Now, she owns a thriving pork butchery, employs many people, and has become a successful landowner and farmer. She even owns three motorbikes. Christine dreams of building rental houses on one of her best pieces of land, which is close to an institute. With BIMAS ready to help, her dream is on its way to becoming a reality. She proudly refers to BIMAS Microfinance as her "father and mother," underscoring the profound impact it has had on her life. In a heartfelt message, she encourages those facing hardships not to turn to stress-induced drinking, but to seek support from BIMAS. She says, "At BIMAS, help is available for everyone." Christine's journey with BIMAS Microfinance exemplifies women empowerment and promotes multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Through initial funding and continuous support, BIMAS enabled her to break the cycle of poverty and establish a thriving business in cereal farming and pork butchery, enhancing food security in her community. By nurturing her entrepreneurship, BIMAS promotes gender equality and economic empowerment. Moreover, Christine's enterprise generates employment opportunities and sustains livelihoods. The provision of a water tank further ensures operational efficiency and supports her overall well-being.

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COPA COCA-COLA CUP OF NATIONS SHOWPIECE TO BE STAGED IN KENYA

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