Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that the 2026 edition of the Focus Africa Conference will take place in Addis Ababa on 29–30 April 2026, bringing together aviation leaders and policymakers to address key challenges and opportunities in Africa’s aviation sector.

The conference, themed “Elevating Aviation Safety, Connectivity, and Operational Efficiency in Africa,” will be hosted by Ethiopian Airlines. It is expected to convene airline executives, government officials, and industry stakeholders from across the continent.

Speaking ahead of the event, Kamil Alawadhi, Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East at IATA, said aviation holds significant potential to drive Africa’s economic and social development if key barriers are addressed.

“Aviation has the potential to do much more to enable Africa’s economic and social development,” Alawadhi noted. “Improving safety, harmonizing regulations, and reducing costs while increasing operational efficiency are at the top of the agenda for this edition of the IATA Focus Africa Conference.

The demand to support 3–4 percent annual growth is there, and Focus Africa aims to align stakeholders to take pragmatic steps to turn that potential into a sustainable reality.”

Progress Since the 2023 Inaugural Conference

The first Focus Africa Conference was hosted by Ethiopian Airlines in 2023, launching the broader Focus Africa initiative designed to accelerate the development of the continent’s aviation sector.

Since its inception, the initiative has recorded several developments across Africa’s aviation ecosystem. Among them is the rollout of API-PNR data programs in 12 African countries, aimed at improving passenger data management and border security.

The initiative has also supported multiple aviation safety programs, while expanding financial settlement systems for airlines and travel agents. New Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) operations have been introduced in Sierra Leone and South Sudan, alongside Cargo Accounts Settlement Systems (CASS) in Ghana and Ivory Coast.

Additionally, the IATA Easy Pay system has been deployed in countries including Cameroon, Chad, Gabon, Congo, Mauritius, and Sierra Leone. This is helping travel agents overcome payment limitations and improving airlines’ cash flow management in markets where traditional payment infrastructure remains constrained.

High-Level Speakers Expected

The 2026 conference will feature keynote addresses and panel discussions involving several senior aviation and government leaders. Among those scheduled to speak are Dr. Alemu Sime Feyisa, Ethiopia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, and Mesfin Tasew, Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines.

Other industry leaders expected at the event include:

Key Themes for Africa’s Aviation Future

Discussions at the conference will focus on three core areas shaping the future of aviation across the continent.

Participants will examine ways to strengthen aviation safety standards and regulatory oversight to ensure secure air travel across Africa. More so, stakeholders will explore strategies for boosting intra-African air routes, harmonizing aviation regulations, and supporting the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

Sessions will also highlight the role of digital innovation, streamlined operational processes, and improved cost management across the aviation value chain.