Written by: Mohammed Omran
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is preparing to host the annual meeting of Africa and Indian Ocean Aviation Week (AFI Week 2026), of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), from July 27 to 31 in Cairo, with broad participation from Ministers of Transport and Aviation, Heads of Civil Aviation Authorities and Representatives of International and Regional Organizations, in an event that reflects Egypt’s growing status as a regional hub for the civil aviation industry.
Africa and Indian Ocean Week is one of the most prominent annual events organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the countries of the region. It aims to discuss the reality and future of the civil aviation sector, review the progress made in implementing the organization's plans, and set priorities for joint action to support the growth of air transport in the continent.
The event will witness a high-level attendance including the Ministers of Transport and Aviation of the African countries that are members of the ICAO Council, the heads of civil aviation authorities and agencies, along with representatives of the Arab countries in the Council, and experts from international and regional organizations. The meetings will address vital issues including aviation safety and security, environmental sustainability, airport infrastructure development, strengthening regional cooperation, and raising the efficiency of air navigation.
The events are scheduled to begin with the eleventh meeting of the Directors General of Civil Aviation Authorities of the Africa and Indian Ocean Region (AFI-DGCA/11), which will discuss the latest developments in the aviation sector, assess the performance of member states in implementing ICAO standards, and review initiatives aimed at improving safety, security and sustainability levels in air transport.
The week’s agenda also includes specialized technical sessions on digital transformation in the aviation sector, human resource development, enhancing airport security programs, ways to reduce carbon emissions, and implementing sustainable aviation fuel initiatives, in line with ICAO’s goals to achieve long-term carbon neutrality.
The selection of Cairo to host the event confirms international confidence in Egypt’s organizational capabilities and the growing role it plays in supporting the aviation industry in Africa, especially in light of the development and modernization projects taking place at Egyptian airports, in addition to the state’s efforts to enhance air connectivity with African countries and support trade, tourism and investment within the continent.
Africa and Indian Ocean Week is seen as a key platform for exchanging experiences and formulating future policies for the civil aviation sector. It also contributes to strengthening cooperation between African countries and international organizations, supporting the achievement of sustainable development and increasing the efficiency and connectivity of air transport networks on the continent.
