Yamoussoukro Decision
The Yamoussoukro Decision is a treaty adopted by most members of the African Union (AU) which establishes a framework for the liberalization of air transport services between African countries, as well as fair competition between airlines. The decision was signed by 44 African states in 1999, and became binding in 2002.: 10–11 : 1
| Decision Relating to the Implementation of the Yamoussoukro Declaration Concerning the Liberalisation of Access to Air Transport Markets in Africa | |
|---|---|
Members of the Single African Air Transport Market, an implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision. | |
| Type | Air transport agreement |
| Signed | 14 November 1999: 10 |
| Location | Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast: 1 |
| Ratified | 12 July 2000: 11 |
| Depositary | African Union; originally Organization of African Unity: 3 |
| Languages | French and English |
The treaty grants first, second, third, fourth and fifth freedom transit rights between all its signatories, granting airlines based in member states greater freedoms in each others' airspaces. It also seeks to eliminate restrictions on ownership of airlines as well as capacity and frequency limits on routes between signatory states. The practical implementation of its policies has faced a number of setbacks, however, and has not been completed by all AU members.
In 2018, the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) was launched, with the intent of fully implementing the Yamoussoukro Decision.