African Union Headquarters P.O. Box 3243, Roosevelt Street W21K19, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE
Press Release: …/2025 Date: 23 September 2025
Venue: Montreal, Canada
Africa Speaks with One Voice at ICAO 42nd Assembly: United for
Greater Representation in Global Aviation
Eight African States Vying for Election to the ICAO Council at the 42nd Assembly
-For Immidiate Release-
Montreal, Canada–23 September 2025: Africa has arrived at the 42nd Assembly of the International
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), taking place in Montreal from 23 September to 3 October 2025,
united and determined to strengthen its global voice. The African Union Commission (AUC), working
with the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the AU Member States, is presenting eight
African countries as candidates for election to the ICAO Council—signalling a historic step in
advancing Africa’s role in international aviation governance.
African Union Headquarters P.O. Box 3243, Roosevelt Street W21K19, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tel: +251 (0) 11 551 77 00 Fax: +251 (0) 11 551 78 44
au.int
Held every three years, the ICAO Assembly brings together 193 Member States to set global aviation
policy, adopt new standards, and elect the ICAO Council of 36 States—a powerful body that governs
international civil aviation between Assembly sessions. Under the theme “United for Greater
Representation,” Africa is standing as one bloc, determined to secure stronger representation and
advance its aviation priorities.
The candidacies of the eight African countries were endorsed by the 46th Ordinary Session of the
African Union Executive Council, held from 12–13 February 2025 in Addis Ababa, and reaffirmed by
the 38th Ordinary Summit of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government. Both organs called
on all AU Member States to unite in full support of Africa’s candidates, stressing that their election
will ensure the continent’s voice is strongly represented in the global aviation arena.
Speaking at the Africa Coordination Meeting just hours before the Assembly opened, H.E. Lerato
Mataboge, AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, reaffirmed the continent’s resolve. “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. This solidarity is not only about securing seats, but also about
ensuring that Africa’s priorities, perspectives, and aspirations set the global aviation agenda.”
The Commissioner emphasized that Africa approaches the 42nd ICAO Assembly with unity of
purpose and a clear vision for its role in global aviation. “Our continent’s collective commitment will
amplify its influence and elevate Africa to greater heights in global aviation governance. Africa is not
only the fastest-growing aviation market, but also a critical partner for safe, sustainable, and inclusive
air transport. This Assembly offers us a decisive opportunity to match our potential with stronger
representation and ensure that our skies are governed with Africa’s interests at the table.”
In line with this vision, Africa has put forward candidates in both Part II and Part III of the ICAO Council
elections. In Part II, which covers States making the largest contribution to the provision of facilities
for international civil air navigation, Africa is represented by Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa, while in
Part III, which ensures equitable geographic representation, the candidates are Angola, Equatorial
Guinea, Mali, Morocco and Uganda.
African Union Headquarters P.O. Box 3243, Roosevelt Street W21K19, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tel: +251 (0) 11 551 77 00 Fax: +251 (0) 11 551 78 44
au.int
On the occasion, Mr. Florent Serge Dzota, President of AFCAC, echoed the Commissioner’s call and
urged international partners to recognize Africa’s rapidly expanding aviation market as an
indispensable part of global connectivity. He emphasized that Africa’s collective strength must be
matched with stronger representation at the ICAO Council, underscoring that international decisions
should fully reflect the realities and aspirations of African skies.
Africa’s engagement at ICAO 42 goes beyond the elections. The continent has also tabled working
papers that highlight broader strategic priorities. Key among them is the Single African Air Transport
Market (SAATM), the AU’s flagship aviation initiative designed to advance open skies, boost
connectivity, reduce costs and unlock new opportunities for trade and tourism.
When fully implemented, SAATM is projected to create over 150,000 new jobs and contribute more
than USD 4.5 billion to Africa’s GDP. Already, liberalisation under SAATM has led to the opening of
108 new routes between November 2022 and April 2025, many of which are reducing travel times,
lowering costs, and enhancing direct connections between African cities. By cutting barriers,
harmonising regulations, and promoting competition, SAATM strengthens African airlines’ ability to
compete globally while also empowering consumers with more choice and affordable options.
Africa is also pressing for stronger regional accident investigation capacity and harmonized safety
oversight frameworks, while reaffirming its support for CORSIA—the Carbon Offsetting and
Reduction Scheme for International Aviation—as the sole global measure to address emissions
complemented by Africa’s continental Strategy on development and deployment of Sustainable
Aviation Fuels ( SAF) and Low Carbon Aviation Fuels ( LCAF) endorsed by AU Summit on February
2025. In addition, African States are emphasizing aviation security and facilitation, calling for
enhanced border data systems, training, and international cooperation.
Fair representation is essential for balanced global governance, and supporting Africa’s candidates
means ensuring that the voices of emerging markets and fast-growing aviation regions are not
sidelined. With solidarity as its strength, Africa calls on ICAO Member States to stand with the
continent.
During the last ICAO Council term from 2022 to 2025, Africa was represented by Egypt, Nigeria and
South Africa in Part II, and by Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mauritania and Zimbabwe in Part
III.
Ends//
Media Inquiries:
Bezayit Eyoel| Information Analyst| Department of Infrastructure and Energy| African Union Commission| E-mail:
BezayitE@africanunion.org|
Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African
Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org
Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org I Web: au.int | Addis Ababa,
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