By Baboloki Semele: Africa has arrived at the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) speaking with one voice, determined to secure stronger representation in global aviation governance. The African Union Commission (AUC), working closely with the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and all AU Member States, is backing eight African candidates for election to the ICAO Council, marking a historic step for the continent. The ICAO Assembly, which convenes every three years, brings together 193 Member States to chart global aviation policy, adopt standards, and elect the ICAO Council of 36 States. This body shapes the rules of international civil aviation between Assembly sessions. Under the theme “United for Greater Representation,” Africa is consolidating its voice and ensuring its aviation priorities feature prominently on the global agenda. The eight African candidacies were endorsed by the AU Executive Council in February 2025 and reaffirmed by the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government later that month. Candidates include Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa (Part II, States contributing most to international air navigation facilities) and Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Mali, Morocco, and Uganda (Part III, equitable geographic representation).
At a high-level coordination meeting before the Assembly opened, H.E. Lerato Mataboge, AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, said Africa’s united stance was a turning point in global aviation diplomacy.
“The significance of Africa speaking with one voice cannot be overstated. When united, we transform our numerical strength into real influence; we move from fragmented positions to a powerful collective able to shape global decisions,” Mataboge said.
“This solidarity is not only about securing seats, but also about ensuring that Africa’s priorities, perspectives, and aspirations set the global aviation agenda.”
Africa’s agenda at ICAO 42 extends beyond the Council elections. The continent is championing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a flagship initiative of the AU that aims to liberalize African skies, enhance connectivity, and reduce travel costs. Since November 2022, SAATM implementation has opened 108 new intra-African routes, improving direct connections between cities and lowering airfares. Full implementation is projected to generate over 150,000 new jobs and add USD 4.5 billion to Africa’s GDP.
Africa is also advocating for:
Enhanced accident investigation capacity and harmonized safety oversight frameworks.
Greater adoption of CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation).
The continental strategy for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and Low Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF) endorsed in February 2025.
Strengthened aviation security and facilitation through border data systems, training, and international cooperation.
Florent Serge Dzota, President of AFCC, emphasized that Africa’s growing aviation market is indispensable to global connectivity, urging partners to match Africa’s collective strength with fair representation in ICAO’s decision-making bodies. In the previous ICAO Council term (2022–2025), Africa was represented by Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa in Part II, while Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mauritania, and Zimbabwe held Part III seats. This year’s elections could significantly boost Africa’s influence. As ICAO Member States deliberate, Africa is sending a clear message: fair representation is not just about equity, but about ensuring the realities and aspirations of emerging aviation markets help shape the future of global skies.