Strengthened support for aviation in Africa emerges from ICAO talks in Cairo

Government and industry leaders from across Africa strengthened cooperation across ICAO's strategic priorities at this year's African and Indian Ocean (AFI) Aviation Week, including through the signing of new cooperation agreements.

"These discussions have come at an important time, as ICAO and its Member States begin to implement the ICAO Strategic Plan for 2050," remarked ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar. "Africa's engagement in this vision will be essential for our shared goals. It will help ensure aviation continues to boost connectivity, travel, trade, tourism, integration, and sustainable development."

Opening on 27 July 2026, AFI Aviation Week was convened by ICAO and hosted in Cairo by the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Throughout the week, delegates reviewed aviation performance across the AFI Region and identified implementation priorities. This included focused talks on the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market, strengthening institutional capacity, mobilizing sustainable financing, and developing a coordinated African position ahead of ICAO's Seventh Worldwide Air Transport Conference to be held this November in Montréal.

In parallel, the first-ever AFI Donor Dialogue brought together over 20 partners including States, international and regional organizations, development partners, and industry stakeholders, who committed to financial and in-kind support, technical cooperation, capacity-building, training, scholarships, expert deployments, and institutional partnerships. Implemented through the framework of the AFI Comprehensive Implementation Plans for Aviation Safety and AVSEC/FAL (AFI Plans), this support will progress on the priorities identified by delegates at AFI Week, including the improvement of aviation safety, security, and regulatory oversight; the enhancement of air navigation, search and rescue, and environmental sustainability; and the development of human resources, including women in aviation.

"African ownership and leadership must always be at the centre of implementation," remarked Secretary General Salazar. "ICAO, through its Headquarters and Regional Offices, will stay fully committed to supporting Member States and partners as you move forward."

5 August 2026