Eight African States Vying for Election to the ICAO Council at the 42nd Assembly
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.
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 emphasised 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.
On the occasion, Mr Florent Serge Dzota, President of AFCAC, echoed the Commissioner’s call and urged international partners to recognise Africa’s rapidly expanding aviation market as an indispensable part of global connectivity. He emphasised 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 emphasising 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.
Why It Matters
- Historic Step for Africa: Eight African states vie for ICAO Council seats, strengthening the continent’s global aviation influence.
- Policy Impact: Positions Africa to shape global aviation standards, safety, and sustainability policies.
- Economic Growth: SAATM is expected to create over 150,000 jobs and add USD 4.5 billion to GDP when fully implemented.
- Sustainability Focus: Africa reaffirms support for CORSIA and commits to sustainable aviation fuels and low-carbon solutions.
