Raphael Kuuchi IATA's new vice president for Africa

This followed IATA's announcement of Kuuchi's appointment last November. He was previously the director of commercial, corporate and industry affairs with the African Airlines Association in Nairobi, Kenya. 

Kuuchi (right) reports to Hussein Dabbas, regional vice president for Africa and the Middle East region and leads a team of 23 air transport professionals located in IATA's four sub-Saharan offices.  Kuuchi will divide his time between those offices in Johannesburg, Nairobi, Lagos and Dakar. 

"Air transport in Africa has the potential to transform the economic fortunes of the continent and its citizens.  But it also faces fundamental challenges, not least of which is improving safety throughout the region.  Connectivity within Africa and with foreign destinations and new markets remains a challenge in light of the regulatory barriers to markets and the caps on foreign investment in African airlines which limits carriers' ability to compete and grow.  Similarly, the imposition of taxes and disproportionate charges on air transport are a disincentive to trade and economic growth.  IATA, in collaboration with AFRAA, is addressing these issues on behalf of its members and their customers. Raphael, with his considerable experience and expertise in engaging with governments and stakeholders across Africa, will play a leading role in these outreach initiatives," said Tony Tyler, IATA's director general and CEO. 

High on Kuuchi's agenda is the African Union's implementation of the Abuja Declaration of 2012.    

"AU member states have committed to the Abuja Declaration with its ambitious, but achievable, goal of a world-class safety record by next year," said Kuuchi. 

"Encouraging governments to liberalise the regulatory frameworks that currently restrict growth and connectivity, investment in appropriate infrastructure and the creation of more business-friendly tax regimes are issues critical to Africa's development and which we will be actively pursuing," he added. 

Kuuchi is a Ghanaian national.  He began his career with Ghana Airways in 1991 before joining AFRAA in 2005.  As IATA's new Vice President for Africa, he succeeds Mike Higgins who was reassigned as the regional head of airport, cargo and passenger services for Europe.