Egypt has concluded the 11th edition of the Africa and Indian Ocean (AFI) Aviation Week 2026, organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and hosted by Cairo for the first time from 27 to 31 July 2026, with high-level international participation.
The closing session of the conference crowned a week packed with strategic dialogue and technical work, after Egypt succeeded in bringing together the various stakeholders in the civil aviation industry under one umbrella. This resulted in broad African consensus on the priorities for the coming phase and the adoption of a package of executive outcomes aimed at upgrading the continent's civil aviation system and strengthening its ability to keep pace with global changes in safety, security, sustainability, digital transformation and capacity building, enhancing Africa's position on the international air transport map.
In his speech, Minister of Civil Aviation Dr. Sameh El Hefny said Egypt's hosting of this continental event reflects the international confidence in the Egyptian state and its pivotal position in the African civil aviation system. He noted that the meetings shaped the regional priorities for Africa's civil aviation sector in the coming phase, led by strengthening coordination among African states, unifying positions ahead of upcoming international milestones, supporting the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and accelerating the implementation of ICAO's global and regional plans, while providing the resources needed to achieve their targets.
The minister noted that the conference sessions discussed many strategic and technical issues, including enhancing aviation safety and security, developing air navigation systems, supporting the use of Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Records (API/PNR), dealing with satellite navigation challenges, and expanding capacity-building programs and the exchange of expertise among African states, stressing that human resource development remains one of the most important pillars of the future of air transport.
El Hefny also explained that the panel discussions helped strengthen cooperation and financing mechanisms for regional projects, supporting the implementation of civil aviation development plans in Africa and the Indian Ocean and compliance with international standards safely and effectively. He affirmed Egypt's continued commitment to providing technical support, training and capacity-building programs to African states, based on its belief that air transport is a key pillar for achieving economic and social development, the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union's Agenda 2063.
El Hefny called on all member states and industry partners to build on what was achieved during the aviation week and turn the recommendations into tangible executive steps, supporting ICAO's "No Country Left Behind" initiative, before officially declaring the conference closed.
For his part, Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General of ICAO, expressed his appreciation to Egypt, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and all the working and organizing teams, praising the professional level of the conference and the capabilities Egypt provided, which contributed to the success of one of the most important regional civil aviation events.
Salazar said the conference discussions helped formulate clear executive priorities aligned with ICAO's strategic plan for 2026–2050, enhancing aviation safety and security, supporting environmental sustainability and digital transformation and opening wider horizons for regional integration. He noted that the conference reflected a shared African will to work with a unified vision, with continued ICAO support, in cooperation with AFCAC and the African Union Commission, for implementing strategic initiatives and projects and investing in people and developing young talent.
At the start of the closing session to announce and adopt the conference's recommendations, Reem Oraby, Egypt's Alternate Representative to ICAO, chaired the session, which reflected broad consensus among member states on the priorities for the coming phase. Its recommendations and outcomes form a roadmap to support the development of the African continent's civil aviation system, stressing the importance of a unified African position ahead of the Seventh Air Transport Conference and ICAO's next Assembly, and strengthening regional coordination to enhance Africa's presence in shaping the future of international civil aviation policies.
The recommendations of the conference's final document included:
Accelerating the implementation of the strategic priorities of Africa's civil aviation sector through stronger coordination and joint regional action.
Aligning national legislation with ICAO standards.
Developing airport and air navigation infrastructure.
Supporting digital transformation and cybersecurity and modernizing air traffic management systems.
Strengthening safety and security systems.
Supporting environmental sustainability.
Expanding capacity-building and human resource development programs.
Mobilizing resources and sustainable financing to turn the recommendations into executive programs supporting the Single African Air Transport Market.
Strengthening the continent's readiness to keep pace with global changes and consolidating its position in the international air transport industry.
The conference concluded with a commemorative photo bringing together Minister of Civil Aviation Dr. Sameh El Hefny, ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar, heads of participating delegations, representatives of international and regional organizations, and the working teams of ICAO and Egypt's Ministry of Civil Aviation, in recognition of their efforts in preparation and organization.
