IATA Sets Focus Africa 2026 to Target Safety and Connectivity

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced its Focus Africa Conference will convene in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on April 29-30, 2026. Hosted by Ethiopian Airlines, the event is expected to gather over 300 aviation leaders, policymakers, and innovators to address critical challenges and opportunities in the continent's air transport sector. The conference theme, “Elevating Aviation Safety, Connectivity, and Operational Efficiency in Africa,” underscores a strategic push to translate the region's growth potential into a sustainable reality.

This marks the second time Ethiopian Airlines will host the gathering, following the inaugural conference in 2023. The event serves as a key checkpoint for IATA’s Focus Africa initiative, a multi-faceted program designed to implement tangible improvements across the continent's aviation ecosystem. The 2026 meeting will assess progress made since the initiative's launch and define the next set of priorities for developing Africa's air transport industry.

Progress Since the Inaugural Conference

Since 2023, the Focus Africa initiative has driven several key developments aimed at modernizing infrastructure and harmonizing processes. A significant achievement has been the support for rolling out Advance Passenger Information - Passenger Name Record (API-PNR) programs in 12 African countries. These systems, which require airlines to provide passenger data to border authorities before travel, enhance security protocols and align African nations with global standards mandated by amendments to ICAO's Annex 9.

Financial systems have also seen substantial upgrades. IATA successfully established new Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) operations in Sierra Leone and South Sudan. The BSP is an IATA system that simplifies the selling, reporting, and remittance procedures for passenger sales agents. In the cargo sector, new Cargo Account Settlement Systems (CASS) were launched in Ghana and Ivory Coast to streamline billing between airlines and freight forwarders.

To address market challenges related to limited payment options and airline cash flow, IATA introduced its Easy Pay solution in six countries: Cameroon, Chad, Gabon, Congo, Mauritius, and Sierra Leone. These initiatives collectively aim to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and create a more robust financial environment for aviation stakeholders.

Agenda and Key Priorities for 2026

The upcoming conference will build on these foundations, with a clear agenda focused on overcoming persistent obstacles. “Improving safety, harmonizing regulations, and reducing costs while increasing operational efficiency are at the top of the agenda for this edition,” said Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East.

According to IATA, the demand exists to support 3-4% annual growth in African aviation. However, realizing this potential requires concerted action from governments and industry partners. Alawadhi emphasized the collaborative nature of the initiative, stating, “Focus Africa aims to align the continent’s aviation stakeholders in taking the pragmatic steps needed to turn potential into a sustainable reality.” The discussions in Addis Ababa will center on creating a unified approach to regulatory frameworks, reducing operational costs, and implementing global best practices in safety and infrastructure.

Assembled Industry Leadership

The high-level gathering will feature prominent leaders from across the African and Middle Eastern aviation sectors. Confirmed speakers include Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of host carrier Ethiopian Airlines; de Villiers Engelbrecht, CEO of South Africa's Airlink; and Capt. George Kamal, who was appointed interim CEO of Kenya Airways in December 2025. Mohammed Mazi, CEO of Saudi Ground Services (SGS) since September 2024, is also scheduled to speak, highlighting the growing ties between African and Middle Eastern aviation markets.

Regulatory and associative bodies will be strongly represented. The lineup includes Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC); Abderahmane Berthe, Secretary General of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA); and Aaron Munetsi, CEO of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA). The presence of these key figures ensures that discussions will cover policy, operations, and regional cooperation at the highest levels.

Why This Matters

This conference is more than a routine industry meeting; it represents a critical checkpoint for a coordinated, continent-wide strategy to overhaul African aviation. The focus on implementing concrete financial and data systems like BSP, CASS, and API-PNR signals a shift from theoretical discussions about potential to the practical execution of modern aviation infrastructure. For a continent with fragmented regulations and high operational costs, the success of the Focus Africa initiative is crucial for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and financial viability needed to support projected economic and social development.