Air Traffic Leaders from across the Continent gathered in Dakar, Senegal this week for the first in person CANSO Africa conference in three years. The conference - hosted by ASECNA - (Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar) is taking place from 5th to the 8th September.

With air traffic predicted to double over the next 10 years, Africa remains one of the fastest-growing air transport regions in the world. CANSO's conference unites around 200 senior air traffic management delegates from the region and beyond for four days of networking, debate, analysis and insight.

The opening ceremony of the conference took place on the 5th of September at King Fahd Hotel in Dakar and was attended by distinguished guests including the Minister of Tourism and Air Transport of Senegal - Mr Alioune Sarr

In his opening remarks, Mr Sarr gave his warm welcome to all the participants and expressed his gratitude to the conference organisers for choosing Senegal as the host country "of this great industry meeting of air navigation service providers."

The goal of the conference is to continue achieving a high-performance ATM system based on cooperation, innovation and the sharing of knowledge and experience..

"We are all united by a common goal – to improve the performance of an industry that is vital to our economies and societies. During this week we will provide a forum to help shape African skies by bringing the latest in thought leadership and helping find common solutions to common problems", commented CANSO DG Simon Hocquard during his opening ceremony speech.

Mr Mohamed Moussa, ASECNA DG, commented: “ASECNA is very proud to host this year’s conference edition as we believe it is crucial for our region to meet and brainstorm in order to continue progressing our industry”