At a landmark gathering in Yaoundé, Cameroon, African aviation authorities have committed to accelerating digital transformation and enhancing regional connectivity to advance the continent’s air transport sector. The consensus emerged during the two-day ICAO Regional Facilitation Forum, which convened 272 delegates from 32 countries and 8 organizations, including representatives from customs, immigration, public health, and aviation sectors.

Organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) under the patronage of President Paul Biya, the forum emphasized the adoption of ICAO’s digital initiatives and the strengthening of regional aviation networks. Key issues discussed also included improving support for aircraft accident victims and making civil aviation more accessible to persons with disabilities critical areas as Africa prepares for air passenger growth projected to outpace global trends through 2050.

ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar described the forum as vital in shaping global aviation priorities, stating that the outcomes from Yaoundé would influence ICAO’s Facilitation Symposium in April and the 42nd ICAO Assembly later this year.

On the sidelines, Secretary General Salazar met with Cameroon’s Prime Minister, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, and other senior officials to discuss the country’s contributions to aviation development. He commended Cameroon for its investment in aviation infrastructure, including the new Search and Rescue Center and the Civil Aviation Training Center, as well as its implementation of the ICAO Public Key Directory (PKD) system for secure travel documents.

Salazar encouraged Cameroon to continue leading regional aviation development, citing the country’s strategic vision and ongoing projects to improve safety and security oversight as exemplary.

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