Minister Al-Hafni explores deepening aviation ties with AFCAC leaders
AFCAC Chief: Egypt plays a central role in shaping Africa’s aviation future
By Mohamed Attia
In a move reinforcing Egypt’s leadership role in the African aviation sector, Minister of Civil Aviation Dr. Sameh Al-Hafni held high-level bilateral meetings with top African and international aviation officials during his participation in AFI Aviation Week 2025, held in Zimbabwe.
During his engagements, Dr. Al-Hafni met with Florent Serge Dzotza, President of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), and Adefunke Adeyemi, the organization’s Secretary General. The meetings were attended by Pilot Amr El-Sharqawy, President of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority, and Ambassador Salwa El-Mowafi, Egypt’s ambassador to Zimbabwe.
Central to the discussions was Egypt’s candidacy for membership in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council, ahead of elections scheduled for September during the ICAO’s 42nd General Assembly. The AFCAC leadership expressed strong support for Egypt’s bid, citing its long-standing contributions to regional aviation development and international standards.
Al-Hafni emphasized that Egypt serves as the voice of Africa within ICAO and is committed to fostering an effective African partnership that supports sustainable development and regional integration. He underscored Egypt’s impressive track record in aviation safety, air navigation, and infrastructure modernization, as well as its regional influence.
The discussions also covered mechanisms for enhancing the strategic partnership between Egypt and AFCAC, with a focus on joint initiatives that strengthen coordination and integration in Africa’s aviation sector. Key topics included the African Common Air Transport Market, the Open Skies Initiative among African nations, and the need for harmonized policies to facilitate the free movement of passengers and goods across the continent.
Both sides stressed the importance of expanding training programs, technical knowledge exchange, and empowering national carriers. A shared commitment to sustainable aviation practices was also affirmed, particularly in the advancement and localization of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) technologies.
Dr. Al-Hafni highlighted Egypt’s recent progress in this area, including the launch of a project for local SAF production aligned with global environmental standards—part of Egypt’s broader vision for an eco-friendly aviation system that reduces carbon emissions and enhances competitiveness.
Florent Serge Dzotza praised the deep-rooted partnership between AFCAC and Egypt, describing Egypt as a cornerstone in the advancement of Africa’s aviation industry. He commended the country’s leading role in infrastructure development and technical training, noting that such efforts are essential to achieving sustainable growth and air connectivity across the continent.
Dzotza reaffirmed AFCAC’s full support for Egypt’s ICAO Council candidacy, stressing the need for increased solidarity among African nations to overcome common challenges and ensure long-term progress.
Dr. Al-Hafni also participated in the 28th Steering Committee meeting for the AFI Plan (Aviation Safety Implementation), as well as the 14th meeting of the AFI SECFAL Plan (Aviation Security and Facilitation). Discussions focused on advancing aviation safety and security standards across the continent, aligning regional practices with international benchmarks, and addressing emerging threats.
In his remarks, Al-Hafni affirmed Egypt’s unwavering support for continental initiatives, welcoming the establishment of a unified planning group combining the APIRG and RASG-AFI teams—an important step toward streamlined coordination and enhanced safety outcomes in African airspace.
As Egypt continues to position itself as a leader in aviation sustainability and regional cooperation, its proactive diplomacy and technical contributions remain instrumental in shaping the future of African and global civil aviation.
