The First Meeting of the Africa – Indian Ocean Aviation System Planning and Implementation Group (AASPG/1), the new Group replacing APIRG and RASG-AFI, held from 3 to 7 November 2025 in Libreville, Gabon.
Organized under the aegis of the International Civil Organization (ICAO) and placed under the high patronage of His Excellency Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Republic of Gabon, Head of State, the ceremony was highlighted by the presence of the Vice-President of the Government, Alexandre Barro Chambrier, several members of the Government, ICAO Regional Directors ESAF and WACAF, the President of AASPG, Directors General of civil aviation authorities and representatives of international organizations.
The meeting analyzed the performance framework for regional air safety, air navigation planning and implementation, the activities of the Group’s contributing organizations, progress in the implementation of Basic Building Blocks (BBBs) and Aviation System Block Upgrade units (ASBUs), and the identification and resolution of air navigation gaps. Discussions also covered the status of projects, airspace surveillance in the AFI region, safety enhancement initiatives, and regional and national safety and air navigation plans.
In a significant presentation at the AASPG Meeting, the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) highlighted the progress of the Revised Abuja Safety Targets.
According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the AASPG/1 meeting reviewed the status of implementation of several Conclusions and Decisions which were formulated during the APIRG/27 and RASG-AFI/10 meetings that were held previously.
The AASPG/1 meeting also considered, under the Performance Framework for Regional Aviation Safety and Air Navigation Planning and Implementation, outcomes of the activities of the Group’s Contributory Bodies, including progress made in the implementation of Basic Building Blocks (BBBs) and the ASBU elements, the identification and resolution of air navigation deficiencies, the status of Projects, the AFI airspace monitoring, safety enhancement initiatives, the regional and national aviation safety and air navigation Plans, as well as other regional safety and air navigation initiatives.
Officially opening the proceedings, the Minister of State, Minister of Transport, Merchant Marine and Logistics, Mr. Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, on behalf of the President of the Republic, thanked ICAO for the confidence it had shown in Gabon by organizing it. Highlighting the challenges of safety, security, capacity and environmental issues, he also underscored the opportunities offered by technological innovation and improved African connectivity.
The AASPG is responsible for developing and updating the Air Navigation Plan (ANP) and the Regional Aviation Safety Plan (RASP), as well as supporting the implementation of ICAO standards and recommended practices. During this first meeting, participants will examine crucial issues relating to aviation safety, navigation, global technological developments and regional performance.
