AFI Aviation Week 2024: Uniting Africa's Skies for Sustainable Development and Regional Integration

In a landmark gathering that underscored the pivotal role of aviation in Africa's development, the ninth edition of the African-Indian Ocean Region (AFI) Aviation Week concluded with a heightened commitment towards regional cooperation and key International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) priorities.

Held in Libreville, Gabon, from 15-19 July 2024, the event brought together key stakeholders from across the continent and beyond.

Addressing the Vice-President of the Gabonese Republic, H.E. M. Joseph Owondault Berre, Ministers of government, and other attending high-level dignitaries, ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano set the stage for a productive week of proceedings in his opening remarks.

"The presence of so many key representatives from States and international and regional organizations is a clear demonstration of the recognition of the importance of aviation in Africa as an enabler for sustainable economic development, and the region's strong commitment to speak in a single voice in shaping the future of international aviation," he said.

The Tenth Meeting of the Directors General of Civil Aviation of the Africa-Indian Ocean Region (AFI-DGCA/10) took centre stage during AFI Week, fostering in-depth discussions on the latest developments in aviation and the evolution of performance across all ICAO Strategic Objectives in the AFI region.

The gathering emphasized the critical importance of maintaining momentum through mutual support and regional collaboration, with a shared vision of building a robust future for African aviation. These discussions were framed within the broader context of the African Union's Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), underlining the integral role of aviation in Africa's sustainable development and economic integration.

The ICAO "No Country Left Behind" initiative remained at the forefront throughout AFI Week, with participants recognizing the progress made in capacity building and implementation activities across the region. An Ad hoc Committee was established to update the framework of the Comprehensive Regional Implementation Plan for Aviation Safety in Africa (AFI Plan), the Comprehensive Regional Implementation Plan for Aviation Security and Facilitation in Africa (AFI SECFAL Plan), and the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), ensuring continued support for developing nations through 2030.

Similarly, AFI Week provided States with an important opportunity to significantly advance safety and security, with the establishment of a new consolidated group merging the AFI Planning and Implementation Regional Group (APIRG) and the Africa-Indian Ocean Regional Aviation Safety Group (RASG-AFI). This move promises to streamline efforts and enhance aviation safety across the continent.

States also recognized the imperative of ensuring the environmental sustainability of their ambitions. This was reflected in renewed commitments to ICAO's Global Framework for Sustainable Aviation Fuels, Lower Carbon Aviation Fuels and Cleaner Energy Sources, and increased participation in the Assistance, Capacity-building and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ACT-SAF) programme.

The innovative Finvest Hub initiative garnered particular attention, offering a promising avenue for investment in sustainable aviation fuel production and other areas.

The 2026-2050 ICAO Strategic Plan currently being prepared by the organization was also a strong focus. ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar closed the week with a call to action, emphasizing the need for gender equality and urging stakeholders to "translate the progress made in this AFI Week into effective policies and actions that deliver real results." He reaffirmed ICAO's commitment to supporting civil aviation development in Africa, recognizing the contributions of all participating States and organizations.

The success of the event was further cemented through a series of bilateral discussions, including ICAO Council President’s meeting with the President of the Gabonese Republic, Brigade General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. These encounters, along with discussions between the ICAO leadership and various Directors-General of Civil Aviation Authorities, laid the groundwork for continued collaboration and progress in the years to come.

The sidelines of the event also featured new ICAO capacity-building and implementation developments with Chad, Gabon, Uganda and South Africa.

The Council President and the Secretary General were accompanied during their activities in Gabon by the Director of Air Transport Bureau, Mr. Mohamed Rahma, ICAO’s Western and Central Africa Regional Director, Mr. Prosper Zo’o Minto’o; the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Director, Ms. Lucy Mbugua; and the Deputy Director of the Capacity Development and Implementation Bureau, Mr. Miguel Marin.