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AFRAA’s 56th AGA: Collaboration and Innovation for Africa’s Airlines

African Airlines Association (AFRAA) recently concluded its 56th Annual General Assembly (AGA) in Cairo, Egypt. Hosted by EgyptAir under the High Patronage of the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the event was officiated by H.E. Dr. Sameh Ahmed El Hefny, the Honourable Minister of Civil Aviation.
The Assembly, themed “Transform and Develop the Airline Industry in Africa,” brought together over 600 delegates from 60 countries. Discussions focused on strategies to transform and develop the African airline industry, with key recommendations made in areas such as aircraft financing, sustainability, hub transformation, revenue management, and the pathway to net-zero emissions by 2050.
In his welcome address, Eng. Yehia Zakaria, Chairman of EgyptAir Holding Company and 2024 President of AFRAA, highlighted the resilience of the aviation industry amidst global challenges. He emphasized Egypt’s strategic investments in infrastructure and urged African airlines to focus on collaboration and sustainability.
AFRAA Secretary General, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, noted the industry’s recovery and growth post-pandemic, with many African airlines surpassing pre-pandemic operating levels. He highlighted AFRAA’s contributions to enhancing connectivity, sustainability, infrastructure development, and collaboration.
The Assembly also saw the election of Kenya Airways as the Chairman of the Executive Committee, LAM Mozambique as the first Vice Chairman, and Tunisair as the second Vice Chairman. TAAG Angola was elected as the President of the Association and will host the 57th AGA in Luanda, Angola, from November 30 to December 2, 2025.
As part of the pre-AGA activities, AFRAA held the second edition of the AFRAA CEOs retreat, where member airline leadership teams brainstormed on the Association’s priorities and strategic plan for 2026-2030.
New members and partners were welcomed, including Z. Boskovic Air Charters Ltd, Berniq Airways, Skyward Express, and ECAir as associate members, and Aviation Co-ordination Services (Pty) Ltd, VISA, Knighthood Global Limited, and AI12 as full partners.
The 56th AGA also recognized outstanding performance in the African aviation industry through the AFRAA Annual Awards. Ethiopian Airlines was awarded Airline of the Year for Global Operations, Kenya Airways for Best Improved Results in Profit Ratio, and Eswatini Air for Best Improved Intra-Africa Connectivity.
AFRAA’s priorities for 2025 include safety, connectivity and route development, air transport sustainability, and the implementation of the AFRAA 2026-2030 Strategic Plan. The Association also launched the AFRAA Route Intelligence Portal to provide members with key aviation data and analytical reports.
In a CSR initiative, AFRAA, in collaboration with the African Section of the Ninety-Nines International Organisation of Women Pilots and EgyptAir, organized a youth outreach event to promote aviation careers among students in Cairo.
The 56th AFRAA AGA was a significant step forward in transforming and developing the airline industry in Africa, setting the stage for future growth and collaboration.
News
UK Minister for Africa Visits Nigeria to Deepen Strategic Partnership

The United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, has concluded a three-day visit to Nigeria, aimed at reinforcing the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.
He reaffirmed the UK Government’s strong commitment to deepening trade and investment ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
During his visit, Lord Collins met with senior Nigerian government officials, business leaders, civil society representatives and United Nations agencies.
These engagements underlined the UK’s long-term drive to support Nigeria’s prosperity and stability while deepening bilateral cooperation for transformative growth across our shared priorities.
A key highlight of the visit was Lord Collin’s bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in which both parties reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to strengthening economic ties and promoting regional security. The Minister was joined by the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi MP.
Lord Collins also met with Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen engagement between UK’s parliament and Nigeria’s National Assembly and the importance of furthering women’s participation in politics.
Speaking on his visit, the UK Government’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins said: “Nigeria and the UK share a rich, ambitious relationship: one that is deeply rooted in respect.
“Our Strategic Partnership is at the forefront of this, and my visit has focused on how our countries can continue deepening our cooperation on key issues such as trade and investment to drive economic growth and deliver prosperity for us all.”
The Minister held discussions with United Nations representatives on the ongoing reform of the UN system, its implications for Nigeria and how the reform can effectively support those most in need, particularly in Northeast Nigeria, whilst also contributing to global humanitarian efforts.
Lord Collins also met with civil society leaders to discuss electoral integrity and governance reforms, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to democratic values and community empowerment.
He later visited Nigeria’s Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell: a key security initiative supported by UK expertise through the National Crime Agency and the Integrated Security Fund, which plays a vital role in enhancing local safety and combating serious crime.
Also commenting on the visit, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, said: “Driving growth is central to the UK’s foreign and development policy. Lord Collins’ visit to Nigeria underscores the UK’s unwavering commitment to deepening our shared prosperity through expanded trade and investment. We are proud to stand alongside Nigeria as it forges a resilient and dynamic economy.”
This visit underscores the UK’s enduring partnership with Nigeria – built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a vision for a prosperous future for both nations.
News
PalmPay Launches CSR Initiatives to Empower Women, Foster Financial Literacy in Northern Nigeria

In a strategic move to expand financial inclusion in Nigeria, leading mobile banking platform, PalmPay has launched a series of CSR programs across Kano and Kaduna. The CSR initiative named “Passing the Baton” represents the brand’s commitment to passing on knowledge and providing the resources individuals and businesses need to achieve financial independence and drive economic empowerment.
This initiative is a bold move by PalmPay to bridge the opportunity gap in the North by providing financial literacy training and micro-business branding support to 5,000 women-owned businesses in Kano and Kaduna. This strategic initiative reaffirms PalmPay’s commitment to inclusive development and economic empowerment, particularly in underserved regions.
“At PalmPay, we believe that real financial inclusion must be far reaching and cover the grassroots,” said Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay. “Our new CSR program is focused on supporting gender equity by equipping women with the knowledge, tools, and visibility they need to thrive as entrepreneurs in their communities.”
Through this initiative, beneficiaries will receive free health insurance, hands-on training workshops, enhanced store branding to boost visibility, and branded merchandise to strengthen their business presence.
The initiative is part of PalmPay’s broader strategy to extend its innovative solutions, expand its footprint in Northern Nigeria, while building sustainable partnerships with local stakeholders for long-term impact.
In a show of support, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, has endorsed the initiative, calling on other stakeholders to join forces with PalmPay in ensuring the North benefits fully from the growing digital economy. PalmPay has received commendation from community stakeholders, as the initiative aims to serve as a model for similar projects across other northern states.
As PalmPay continues to scale across Nigeria, the company remains committed to bridging the financial inclusion gap and empowering underserved groups, particularly women and youth, through its innovative solutions and impact initiatives.
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