Keypoints:
- Africa secures eight ICAO Council seats
- AU, AFCAC hail aviation breakthrough
- Win strengthens SAATM and Agenda 2063
AFRICA has secured a landmark victory at the 42nd International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Assembly, winning nearly one-fourth of the seats on the organisation’s governing council. All eight of Africa’s nominated candidates – Angola, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda – were elected to the 36-member ICAO Council.
The outcome boosts Africa’s influence in shaping global aviation policy and underscores international trust in the continent’s technical expertise and leadership in sustainable air transport.
AU hails proud moment for Africa
Celebrations followed across the continent. Lerato Dorothy Mataboge, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, called the result ‘a proud moment for Africa’.
‘It reflects the trust of the global community in Africa’s expertise and contributions,’ Mataboge said. ‘Our representatives will not only safeguard Africa’s aviation interests but will also continue shaping the global aviation system in ways that promote fairness, inclusivity, and sustainability.’
Mataboge reaffirmed the AU’s pledge to work closely with Member States, the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), and international partners to advance connectivity and prosperity in line with Agenda 2063.
A milestone for civil aviation
AFCAC President Florent Serge Dzota described the result as ‘a milestone for Africa’s civil aviation community’, saying it confirmed global recognition of Africa’s leadership in building a safer and more inclusive aviation industry.
Beyond electoral success, Africa also made its mark with technical contributions. The continent presented 16 Working and Information Papers that engaged directly with ICAO commissions on safety, security, facilitation, and environmental protection.
Technical leadership on global aviation
Among Africa’s key proposals were:
- Safety and Navigation – introducing cost-effective use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for ground checks of navigation aids, and pushing for a standardised global tool to monitor obstacles around aerodromes.
- Security and Facilitation – aligning aviation security with the Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP) and calling for updated regulations to enable drones to transport dangerous goods such as vaccines and humanitarian supplies in emergencies.
- Environmental Protection – championing the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) as the sole global market-based measure to cut emissions, while cautioning against regional schemes that might disadvantage developing economies.
This coordinated technical agenda, steered daily by the AU, AFCAC, and the AFI Group, reinforced Africa’s ability to act with one voice on the global stage.
Boost for SAATM and Agenda 2063
The victory comes as Africa accelerates the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a flagship Agenda 2063 initiative covering over 90 percent of intra-African traffic. SAATM aims to transform connectivity, lower travel barriers, and drive economic integration.
By securing nearly a quarter of ICAO Council seats, Africa is strategically placed to advance this vision while ensuring inclusivity, sustainability, and safety remain at the core of aviation policy.
Strategic step towards competitiveness
As one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, Africa’s stronger representation at ICAO is more than symbolic. Analysts see it as a strategic step towards global competitiveness. With this platform, Africa can influence decisions on safety, security, and climate action, including the target of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050.
The AU extended gratitude to all States that represented Africa in the 2022–2025 triennium and vowed to strengthen collaboration with global partners. It stressed that Africa’s ICAO success is not only a win but also a declaration that the continent is ready to lead, innovate, and integrate, ensuring no one is left behind in the future of aviation.
