The 2025 Airports Council International (ACI) North America and ACI World Annual General Assembly, held in Toronto, became a defining moment for Africa’s aviation community as two of the continent’s foremost industry leaders — Ms. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director/CEO of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Vice President of ACI Africa, and Mr. Aiman Fawzi Arab, Chairman & CEO of the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and ACI Africa Board Member — brought Africa’s aviation story to the global stage.
Both executives took center stage in a high-level panel session themed “Shaping the Future of Air Travel: A Global Airport Perspective,” where they joined other international airport leaders to discuss the future of global air travel, innovation, sustainability, and infrastructure development.
Moderated by Kevin Burke, President and CEO of ACI North America, the panel also featured Armando Brunini (CEO, Milan Airports), Cindy Nichol (Director of Airports, Sacramento County), and Juan José Salmón (CEO, Aeropuerto Jorge Chávez, Lima). The session provided an opportunity for industry leaders to reflect on emerging trends that are shaping air transport and to share regional insights on navigating post-pandemic recovery and building the airports of tomorrow.
Representing Africa’s voice on the global platform, Ms. Kuku and Mr. Fawzi Arab emphasized the continent’s growing importance in global aviation and the need for collaborative leadership to drive sustainable progress. They highlighted Africa’s vast potential as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets, while calling for renewed focus on infrastructure modernization, safety regulation harmonization, and green airport initiatives.
Ms. Kuku underscored FAAN’s ongoing efforts to align Nigeria’s airport operations with international best practices, emphasizing that the continent is at a turning point where innovation, capacity building, and public-private partnerships must be embraced to achieve long-term resilience.
“Africa’s story in global aviation is evolving rapidly. We are no longer playing catch-up — we are defining our own path through collaboration, technology, and sustainability,” she stated.
In his remarks, Mr. Fawzi Arab stressed that regional integration and cross-border cooperation are critical to unlocking Africa’s full aviation potential. He called for strategic partnerships among African nations and between the continent and global partners to enhance connectivity, attract investment, and promote eco-friendly airport development.
“The future of aviation lies in inclusivity and cooperation. Africa must continue to strengthen its voice within the global network, building airports that not only serve passengers but also sustain the environment,” he noted.
The participation of African leaders at such a prestigious global forum reinforces ACI Africa’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and international collaboration. It also marks a strong statement about the continent’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to shaping the next chapter of global aviation.
As the world continues to adapt to technological disruptions, environmental challenges, and evolving passenger expectations, Africa’s proactive engagement — as demonstrated at the 2025 ACI World Assembly — highlights its growing influence and ambition to be a major player in defining the future of air travel.
The Toronto gathering was more than a conference; it was a celebration of vision, leadership, and the shared resolve to make air travel more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive for generations to come.
At the 2025 ACI World Annual General Assembly in Toronto, FAAN’s Olubunmi Kuku and Egypt’s Aiman Fawzi Arab represented ACI Africa, spotlighting Africa’s growing leadership in sustainable aviation, innovation, and global collaboration.
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