Make in Africa proposes this Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing Framework 2027–2035 as a roadmap for African governments, regional bodies and partner countries. It is a proposal, not law. Africa buys most of its aircraft, parts and defence equipment abroad, and the maintenance, skills and technology that come with them stay abroad too. This Framework sets out how to make more of that value on the continent.
Africa has engineers, strategic geography and a growing number of special economic zones. What it lacks is patient capital, access to technology and fair terms in global supply chains. We call for investment in maintenance, repair and overhaul, component making and African research, and for partner countries to share technology and open their supply chains to African suppliers.
By 2035, this Framework proposes that Africa builds, services and supplies far more of its own aerospace and defence needs. The shared vision includes:
This Framework reflects Make in Africa’s commitment to help governments and partners build an ecosystem that keeps more aerospace and defence work on the continent. Its key objectives include:
Make in Africa encourages governments to adopt single-window approval processes for investment and operations in aerospace and defence manufacturing. This means simpler applications, clear tracking and decisions within stated timelines, with security and export controls handled by the authorised national bodies. Predictable rules give investors confidence.
This Framework proposes a path for Africa to move from buying finished systems to making, servicing and exporting them. By backing African research, building supplier networks and asking partner countries to share technology and open their markets, we can make aerospace and defence a source of skilled jobs and lasting industrial strength.
Invites investors, aerospace and defence manufacturers and technology partners to join us on fair terms and help build a secure, self-reliant aerospace and defence sector in Africa.
The Make In Africa Global Summit (MIAGS) is a global platform connecting leaders, businesses, investors, institutions and policymakers shaping the next era of economic growth across the Global South and Africa.
MIAGS advances South–South cooperation, trade, investment, industrialization, technology, infrastructure and economic resilience, creating platforms for dialogue, strategic partnerships and cross-border opportunities.
Our mission is to strengthen the Global South and Africa’s role in the global economy by connecting capital with opportunity, innovation with markets and economic priorities with action—while fostering a more connected, productive and influential economic future.