The Africa-Indian Ocean (AFI) governments have agreed to work more closely on implementing the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s aviation safety, security, and sustainability standards and plans.

This was decided at the eighth edition of Africa-Indian Ocean (AFI) Aviation Week in Nairobi at the end of August.

“High-performing” member states will also be offering greater assistance to those that require the most support. 

ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano highlighted that the presence of “so many key representatives from states and international and regional organisations is a clear demonstration of the recognition of the importance of aviation to the sustainable development of nations, and of the need for all partners and stakeholders to work closely together to build synergies in Africa.” 

The member states recognised the significance of mobilising resources under the No Country Left Behind initiative. They agreed that the next generation of aviation professionals and gender equality objectives should be play a crucial part in national aviation planning. 

The capacity of Africa’s air navigation systems was also addressed, with the member states agreeing to propose that the African Union Commission coordinate the establishment of a task force on “the seamless sky for Africa,” and to enhance their cooperation through Collaborative Decision Making (CDM). The digitalisation of services was seen as a particularly important priority in this area. 

To support partnerships between states with “high” and “low” performing safety and security oversight capacities, the ICAO Regional Offices were asked to facilitate cooperation through regional mechanisms, with a special focus on the development of key projects on achieving the targets set out in ICAO’s aviation safety and security global plans. 

Sustainability was recognised as an equally important priority, with the development of sustainable aviation fuels acknowledged as both playing a crucial role in the decarbonisation of flights and an “extremely promising catalyst” for sustainable development in Africa. 

Governments acknowledged that the safe, secure, and sustainable development of African air transport would also require the full implementation of ICAO’s facilitation and air transport guidance, especially those around the liberalisation of air services and on user fees, charges, and taxes on aviation.

“Clearly Africa has come to an important turning point in fulfilling its aspirations for national, regional, and international air connectivity on this continent,” said ICAO Secretary General, Juan Carlos Salazar.

“Moving forward we must all resolve to translate our progress this week into effective policies, programmes, and actions that deliver the intended results. Our vision is to connect Africa and the world, and it can only be achieved if we continue to work together,” Salazar added. 

During the event, host Kenya announced the construction of a new headquarters for ICAO’s Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office, which is located in Nairobi, and a voluntary donation of US$200 000 from the country to support the ICAO AFI Security and Facilitation (SECFAL) Plan.