Survival instincts in the aviation industry: How effective was Africa's regional COVID-19 recovery strategy?

The COVID-19 pandemic devastated Africa's civil aviation industry, prompting the articulation of a continental strategy for its survival and recovery under the leadership of the African Union Commission. This article uses the concept of policy integration to analyse the effectiveness of the strategy. The analysis shows that the survival and recovery of the industry was mostly due to actions at the national level, such as financial support from governments, that were consistent with but not necessarily triggered by the continental strategy. The strategy was not legally binding, had no implementation plan and lacked a robust monitoring and evaluation mechanism. This article argues that enhancing the credibility, value addition and chances of success of regional strategies requires an active participation of member states in the design process; and strengthening of the administrative and technical capacities of the implementing entities. It also requires regional organisations to focus on actions that are within their control and have regional impact such as developing and deploying digital solutions to common problems. Full implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision on the liberalization of air transport markets in Africa would strengthen the enforcement of regulations that are critical to the survival and recovery of the aviation industry from shocks.