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Could open skies boost African economies?

South Africa is opening its skies to more airlines from the continent and overseas

In the early 2000s, African Union members adopted what is known as the Yamoussoukro Decision.

The treaty was designed to open up air transport between African countries by promoting fair competition among airlines.

However, World Bank says this hasn’t really taken off, as African countries are still restricting their markets to prefer state owned carriers.

But now, South Africa seems to be taking a different approach.

Not only is it opening up its skies to fellow African airlines, it’s even striking deals with foreign carriers like Air Belgium.

Is this the start of a fresh approach to air travel? And could open skies help body African economies?

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