“Some of the major challenges in air transport connectivity and logistics will be addressed by the NEPAD Agency’s initiatives, working collectively with ICAO and the other aviation agencies and institutions,” declared Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, CEO of the NEPAD Agency on 26 May in Midrand, South Africa.

Dr Ibrahim Mayaki with Senator Hadi Sirika, Minister of State for Aviation, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Dr Mayaki made the statement at a meeting with Senator Hadi Sirika, Minister of State for Aviation, Federal Republic of Nigeria and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a UN specialised agency.

While Africa contributes to only 1% of global air cargo, this also accounts for 35% of the value of goods transported to the continent. “Moreover, 85% of Africa’s tourism market depends on air transport

Mr Boubacar Djibo, ICAO Air Transport Bureau’s Director, underscored the importance of air transportation and stated that while Africa contributes to only 1% of global air cargo, this also accounts for 35% of the value of goods transported to the continent. “Moreover, 85% of Africa’s tourism market depends on air transport,” he said.

The meeting was held to cover the precepts of the memorandum of understanding between the African Union and ICAO, whose annex specifically covers areas of cooperation between the NEPAD Agency and ICAO.

Deliberations also saw the planning for the forthcoming Third ICAO Aviation Forum (IWAF/3), that will focus on aviation infrastructure development and financing. The Forum will be held in Abuja, Nigeria from 27 – 29 November 2017. This is the first time that the Forum will be held on African soil.