By Mohamed Attia
Egypt has officially concluded the 11th edition of Africa and Indian Ocean Aviation Week (AFI Aviation Week 2026) in Cairo.
Organised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and hosted by Egypt for the first time, the event brought together a wide range of international stakeholders for a week of strategic dialogue and technical collaboration.
The closing session marked the adoption of a unified African roadmap designed to modernise civil aviation across the continent, focusing on safety, security, digital transformation, and environmental sustainability.
During the final session, Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh el-Hefny highlighted that hosting the conference underscores international confidence in Egypt’s leadership within the African aviation sector.
He noted that the discussions helped establish key regional priorities, such as unifying African positions for upcoming global forums, supporting the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), and accelerating ICAO’s strategic plans.
El-Hefny stressed that human resource development and cross-border expertise sharing remain fundamental to driving long-term growth and achieving both the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar expressed deep gratitude to Egypt, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) for their outstanding hospitality and organisation.
He praised Egypt’s professionalism and dedication, which ensured the success of one of the region’s most significant civil aviation gatherings.
The event concluded with the adoption of a comprehensive final document that sets out actionable recommendations for member states.
This roadmap focuses on aligning national regulations with ICAO standards, upgrading airport and air navigation infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity, and securing sustainable financing.
By translating these commitments into practical programmes, the consensus reached in Cairo serves to strengthen the unified African air transport market and elevate the continent’s standing in the global aviation industry.
