Our commitment with the African Development Bank to enhance air connectivity through joint projects

Since we were established in 1944, our support and coordination has helped countries diplomatically and technically realize a uniquely rapid and dependable network of global air mobility, connecting families, cultures, and businesses all over the world, and promoting sustainable growth and socio-economic prosperity wherever aircraft fly. As a United Nations agency, we help 193 countries cooperate together and share their skies to their mutual benefit.

As aviation enters a new era of digitization, and of incredible new flight and propulsion innovations, air transport is relying more than ever on ICAO’s expert support and technical and diplomatic guidance to help chart a new and exciting future for international flight. ICAO is innovating itself to answer this call, and expanding its partnerships among UN and technical stakeholders to deliver a strategic global vision and effective, sustainable solutions.

Through a commitment that will accelerate the development of air transport across Africa, we are going to work with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to identify concrete opportunities for joint action. This commitment was the key outcome of a meeting between ICAO Council President Toshiyuki Onuma, Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar, and AfDB President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah at ICAO Headquarters on 23 April 2026. It directly supports progress towards ICAO’s strategic vision of air transport for all by 2050, with zero fatalities and net zero carbon emissions.

The discussions focused on how ICAO’s technical and regulatory expertise can support the AfDB’s financing and connectivity ambitions for the continent. Both parties emphasized the importance of closer technical coordination and pledged to pursue practical steps to deepen their partnership. President Onuma also acknowledged AfDB’s strong commitment to aviation development and its ongoing collaboration with ICAO.