AASPG Launch Marks New Era for African Aviation
The inaugural meeting of the African and Indian Ocean Aviation System Planning Group (AASPG) has officially opened in Libreville, marking a major milestone in strengthening aviation cooperation, safety and efficiency across the continent.
Hosted by the Government of Gabon, the meeting brings together aviation regulators, technical experts and policy leaders from across Africa. Zambia is represented by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL), and the Zambia Air Force (ZAF).
Opening the session, AASPG President, Mrs Paule Assoumou Koki, described the gathering as historic. She noted that the group was born from the merger of two former regional bodies, now unified to provide a stronger and more coherent aviation planning platform.
Gabon’s Minister of Transport, Marine and Logistics, Mr Ulrich Mafundi Mafundi, underscored the importance of working together to improve safety, enhance regional connectivity and support sustainable aviation growth. He reaffirmed Gabon’s commitment to advancing secure, environmentally responsible air transport.
Representing the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Mr Romain Ekoto, Regional Director for the Western and Central African (WACAF) Office, said the AASPG will help member states set shared priorities and align national plans with ICAO’s global safety and air navigation frameworks.
His ESAF regional counterpart, Mrs Lucy Mbugua, noted that the unified planning approach offers a measurable, consistent framework for Africa’s aviation development, ensuring that no state is left behind.
