Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General of CAFAC, led a high-level delegation to Equatorial Guinea to enhance cooperation in civil aviation. CAFAC is a specialized agency of the African Union that promotes safe, efficient, and sustainable aviation on the continent. The organization harmonizes aeronautical policies of states and fosters greater integration of African air transport. As the executing body of the African Single Market for Air Transport, CAFAC plays a crucial role in shaping the future of African aviation.
During the working meetings, the Ministry of Transport, Telecommunications, and Civil Aviation presented the government's strategy to leverage Equatorial Guinea's excellent airport infrastructure and strategic location in the Gulf of Guinea. The goal is to establish the country as a regional hub for air connectivity in Central Africa and the rest of the continent. This vision aligns with CAFAC's objectives, and the organization is poised to support Equatorial Guinea in achieving its ambitions.
One of the key agreements reached during the visit involves CAFAC's direct involvement in the Ministry's efforts to enhance aviation safety oversight. This cooperation aims to help Equatorial Guinea exit the European Union's Air Safety List, also known as the "blacklist." CAFAC will provide technical assistance, expertise, and institutional support throughout this process. Strengthening aviation safety is a critical step towards improving the country's aviation standards.
The visit also facilitated progress on the organization of ICAN 2026, the International Civil Aviation Organization's Air Services Negotiation Event. Scheduled to take place in Malabo from December 7-11, ICAN brings together aviation authorities worldwide to negotiate air services agreements, promote new routes, and enhance international connectivity. Equatorial Guinea has proposed CAFAC's active participation in the event, which will be held under the theme "Building the Future of Air Connectivity, from Africa, for the World."
Another area of cooperation will focus on Mongomeyen, home to the Civil Aviation School. The school aims to strengthen the training of national and African aviation professionals. Additionally, the promulgation of the Special Economic Zones Law has enabled progress on the decree to establish an Aeronautical Special Economic Zone within the perimeter of Mongomeyen International Airport. This zone will attract investments in aircraft maintenance, hangars, training, logistics, executive aviation, and other aeronautical services.
With these initiatives, Equatorial Guinea seeks to combine modern infrastructure, aviation safety, specialized training, investment, and connectivity to establish itself as a major aeronautical hub in Central Africa. The country's strategic location and existing infrastructure make it an attractive destination for aviation-related investments. By collaborating with CAFAC, Equatorial Guinea is poised to make significant strides in the aviation sector.
As a gesture of appreciation, Minister Honorato Evita Oma presented the Secretary General and her team with the book "My Life for My People" by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. This visit has marked a significant milestone in the cooperation between Equatorial Guinea and CAFAC, and both parties are expected to build on the agreements reached during the visit.
Key points
- CAFAC will support Equatorial Guinea in strengthening aviation safety oversight to exit the European Union's Air Safety List.
- The country aims to establish itself as a regional hub for air connectivity in Central Africa and the rest of the continent.
- ICAN 2026 will take place in Malabo, with CAFAC participating actively in the event.
