By Mohammed Dahiru Lawal
Africa has clinched a historic win at the 42nd International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly in Montreal, with all eight of its nominated countries elected to the 36-member ICAO Council, giving the continent nearly a quarter of the body’s total seats.
The victorious states—Angola, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda—were returned with decisive votes, underscoring what officials described as a strong global endorsement of Africa’s leadership in international aviation.
“This is a proud moment for Africa. It reflects the trust of the global community in Africa’s expertise and contributions,” said H.E. Lerato D. Mataboge, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy. “Our representatives will not only safeguard Africa’s aviation interests but also shape the global aviation system in ways that promote fairness, inclusivity, and sustainability.”
The ICAO Council, a governing body of the UN’s specialized aviation agency, guides international policy on safety, security, environmental protection, and connectivity. With its expanded presence, Africa is now better positioned to advance global aviation priorities such as achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 and strengthening safety systems, while also pushing
forward its flagship initiative—the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
Mr. Florent Serge Dzota, President of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), hailed the development as a milestone. “This renewed mandate is a victory for Africa’s aviation sector. It reaffirms that Africa’s leadership and contributions are valued by the global community. We lookforward to supporting our Council members in ensuring Africa’s priorities are addressed at
ICAO,” he said.
Beyond its electoral success, Africa also made its mark with a comprehensive technical agenda, submitting 16 working and information papers to ICAO. These proposals ranged from using drones for cost-effective safety checks of navigation aids, to updating regulations on drone use for transporting medical supplies, and championing CORSIA—the Carbon Offsetting and
Reduction Scheme for International Aviation—as the sole global market-based measure to address aviation emissions.
Observers say Africa’s united front at ICAO demonstrates a continent increasingly confident in
shaping the future of global aviation while advancing regional integration. With one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, Africa’s enhanced mandate is expected to accelerate the implementation of SAATM, which already represents over 90 percent of intra-African traffic.