Egypt’s Civil Aviation Authority Participates in African Air Transport Conference in Togo

The Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority took part in the African Air Transport Conference and Expo 2026 held in Lome, Togo. The event featured participation from transport and civil aviation ministers, heads of civil aviation authorities, and representatives from regional and international organizations involved in Africa’s air transport sector.

This participation aligns with the strategy of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, which focuses on expanding cooperation with African nations and enhancing air connectivity across the continent.

The conference was inaugurated by Togolese President Jean Lucien Savi de Tové, alongside the President of Rwanda, who emphasized the importance of strengthening African cooperation to develop the air transport sector as a key driver for economic integration and sustainable development on the continent.

The Egyptian delegation was led by Captain Sameh Fawzy, head of the Civil Aviation Authority, and included Captain Karim Gameel, advisor to the authority’s president and director of international agreements and national contact point at the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC).

The delegation participated in ministerial sessions, technical discussions, and the accompanying exhibition, alongside a series of bilateral meetings attended by Ahmed Mohamed Eid, Egypt’s ambassador to Togo.

Sessions highlighted the need to accelerate the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), enhance air connectivity among African countries, reduce air transport costs, and support investments in aviation infrastructure. These efforts aim to foster economic development and increase trade and tourism within the continent.

During a panel discussion titled “Enhancing Air Transport Industry and Investing in Aviation Infrastructure,” Captain Sameh Fawzy discussed strategic directions for financing aviation projects and developing supporting infrastructure for sustainable growth.

Fawzy noted that Egypt’s participation reflects directives from Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh Hefny, who emphasizes expanding cooperation with African countries. This supports continental integration efforts while reinforcing Egypt’s position as a leading regional hub for air transport. He pointed out that airport development is part of an integrated system that includes transportation networks, logistics services, supportive infrastructure for investment and trade, as well as updating air navigation systems and training human resources. Environmental sustainability standards must also be integrated into all aviation infrastructure development projects to ensure balanced growth across Africa.

He added that Egypt’s experience has demonstrated success in this direction, as several Egyptian airports have received international accolades for environmental sustainability and green airport initiatives. This reflects Egypt’s commitment to applying best international practices in civil aviation.

On the sidelines of the conference, the Egyptian delegation held a series of bilateral meetings with heads of delegations and representatives from civil aviation authorities of participating countries. These discussions focused on ways to enhance collaboration in air transport and civil aviation sectors while increasing air connectivity between Egypt and other African nations. They also aimed at exchanging technical expertise and building capacities to support African integration goals while boosting trade, investment, and tourism among countries on the continent.

The meetings addressed several topics of mutual interest aimed at supporting regional cooperation and maximizing growth opportunities within Africa’s air transport sector. This further enhances Egypt’s role as a key regional hub for air transport on the continent.

At the conclusion of the conference, the Egyptian delegation reiterated its commitment to continuing collaboration with African nations as well as regional and international organizations. This effort supports sustainable development goals while enhancing air connectivity between countries in Africa. It also contributes to achieving a vision for a more integrated, efficient, and sustainable air transport sector across Africa.