African aviation leaders establish digital transformation and regional connectivity as priorities

Aviation authorities across Africa have agreed to transform air transport by prioritizing the implementation of ICAO's digitalization initiatives and the emergence of stronger regional networks following discussions led by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Yaounde, Cameroon.

The two-day ICAO Regional Facilitation Forum involved 32 countries and 8 Organizations, represented by 272 participants from customs, immigration, law enforcement, and public health authorities, along with aviation officials and operators.

Key outcomes of the event included prioritizing improved support for aircraft accident victims and expanding civil aviation accessibility for persons with disabilities. These objectives have emerged as ICAO forecasts African air passenger growth to exceed global averages through 2050, pointing to the need for action.

During his mission to Yaounde, ICAO Secretary General Salazar met with Prime Minister H.E Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute. The Secretary General appreciated Cameroon's significant support for civil aviation and ICAO initiatives, particularly noting recent investments in aviation infrastructure, including training facilities and the new search and rescue center. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his government's commitment to strengthening aviation as a catalyst for economic development.

Discussions covered Cameroon's strategic vision for aviation, ongoing projects to enhance safety and security oversight capabilities, and the implementation of the Public Key Directory (PKD) for travel documents. During these engagements, the Secretary General inaugurated Yaoundé's new Search and Rescue Center, visited the Cameroon Civil Aviation Training Center, and toured the travel documents production facility.

(article source: International Civil Aviation Organization / editor: Anton van Rijsbergen)