A number of insufficient reasons have been adduced to extenuate the poor implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision, fondly called the YD, by African States since about two decades now. In its simplest meaning, the YD is a special or supposedly high-impact framework designed by Africa's air transport experts and acquiesced to (ratified?) by the continent's top-echelon political leadership to drive fast-paced continent-wide air transport development in Africa. Evolved from an erstwhile Yamoussoukro Declaration created in 1988, the YD which was established in 1999, was a formal open hearted agreement by African States to create market freedom and unimpeded access to African regions for African airlines to harness the growing opportunities in the African aviation market, and in the process accelerate economic growth and development in all parts of Africa.

While the YD was hugely applauded by the industry and proponents of air transport as a pivot of economic transformation, what followed this noble Decision was what some are wont to describe as wanton hypocrisy and lip-service, as several States did not fully implement the YD. And others on the other side of the divide rather hold the belief that, with this inaction, such States were merely being circumspect as to avoid the vagaries associable with the unfettered operation of larger airlines into their backyards, namely swamping of their relatively smaller so-called national carriers, and - denying them of their national pride? Needless to say that children born same year as the YD are now in the university or have graduated. And regretfully, only repeated attempts have been made to actualize the YD, oft deflated by decision of several States contrariwise. Suffice it to state that every State has a right to make its own decisions; but it is also essential not to overlook the superseding benefits of working together, and that cooperative action has been the substratum of sustained growth and transformation of global air transport system over the years. The big risk is that disparate and uncoordinated decisions among African States would at best create internecine disconnection and stifle or reverse aviation and economic development. In truth, the loss visited on the continent by the non-implementation of the YD over the years is unimaginably execrable as it has affected airlines, airports, other allied businesses and States economies.

In recent years, States tend to realize more the essence of cooperation as globalization seemingly becomes a success factor. And liberalization is slowly taking root in Africa, with more African airlines opening connectivity in the continent or frantically working towards that. Perhaps, condemning States for not opening up their airspaces to African carriers may not be expedient now. The way to Africa's air transport transformation is via listening, and accommodating or all-inclusive action. Such non-conforming States need now to distinctly articulate their reasons - or fears - which have sustained their non-conformity. Then such fears need be elaborately dissected and consensually addressed, and in a fashion that realigns the YD for the present and the future, and also bring benefits to every State. A re-birth of some sort has now become essential for the YD.

The mind-set of suspicion and standoffishness of such States that jib at the YD need be readdressed for such States and their airlines to start seeing the beneficial sides of a functional YD. To achieve this, States need be convinced that the YD serves their interest. States need to see that the YD is (re-)designed in a way they accept and will implement without reservation. And States need to be shown that their needs have been accommodated in the YD. In general context, the dynamism of the aviation industry - such as technology, international benchmarks, among others - readily demands all aspects of the industry to become dynamic and change-based. On that score, comes the need to reappraise, re-make, and re-assimilate the YD to suit the current (and future) needs of the air transport industry in Africa. The YD should be born again to accommodate the needs of States and such mechanisms that would prevent lip service but rather make States committed to its full implementation.