STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
Security
Aviation security is a core focus of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC). AFCAC’s dedication in this area revolves around implementing strong security measures to safeguard civil aviation against unlawful interference. AFCAC is committed to delivering tailored capacity-building activities to its member States, addressing their specific needs, and assisting them in rectifying any deficiencies identified under the Universal Security Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA). Moreover, AFCAC is dedicated to aiding member States in achieving compliance with the rigorous Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). To achieve these objectives, AFCAC maintains close partnerships and collaborations with international organizations, regional bodies, continental institutions, and various partners. The developed cooperative programs aimed at enhancing the capabilities of states in the realm of aviation security and facilitation.
1. Meeting Our Objectives
To meet our objective, we:
● collaborate with States to achieve individual State obligations in terms of regulatory oversight of civil aviation security.
● assist States in the implementation of the Aviation Security regulatory framework and in the fulfilment of their tasks to ensure safe and secure civil aviation.
● share best practices, and security oversight tasks & resources with the aim to establish and maintain an effective aviation security oversight system.
● establish and foster a strong aviation security system and culture, promoting a proactive approach to security measures among stakeholders.
● collaborate closely with civil aviation authorities, airline operators and airport authorities to identify and mitigate key passenger security risks.
SUPPORT
● States in enhancing their security capabilities through tailored technical cooperation programs, offering expertise and resources to strengthen their security infrastructure.
● Member States in implementing the Standards and Recommended Practices set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), fostering a cohesive security framework in line with international standards.
● States in addressing any security-related concerns, ensuring a comprehensive and robust security landscape, through both the Aviation Security Mechanism and our technical cooperation programmes.
PROMOTE
● safe and secure civil aviation in Africa by establishing aviation regulatory frameworks in Member States.
● and adopt all aviation security measures.
● efficient border crossing procedures.
2. AVSEC & FAL Work Programme 2022-2024
Strategic Objective: To enhance civil aviation security and facilitation in Africa
- To promote and closely monitor the implementation of Windhoek Targets on Aviation Security and Facilitation.
- To facilitate the harmonization and alignment of the Windhoek Targets with the ICAO Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP).
- To provide harmonized technical assistance to States that fall below the global average of Effective Implementation of Critical Elements.
- To optimize the deployment of the designated Team of Experts through the AFI-CES for technical assistance to African States.
- To facilitate capacity-building programs and exchange of best practices with partners to enhance aviation security and facilitation in Africa.
- To formalize partnerships with African Service Training Centers (ASTCs) for the benefit of member States.
- To develop efficient, effective, and harmonized aviation facilitation measures.
3. Windhoek Declaration and Targets
In April 2016, a Ministerial Conference on Aviation Security and Facilitation in Africa was convened in Windhoek, Namibia. This event brought together key stakeholders. Its primary objective was to address the evolving landscape of security threats and facilitation issues within the African aviation sector.
During this conference, the attending ministers adopted the Aviation Security and Facilitation Declaration, which established a set of targets aimed at enhancing aviation security and facilitation across the continent in a sustainable manner.
The Declaration also urged African member States to allocate resources and support the implementation of the ICAO AFI SECFAL Plan. Subsequently, the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government endorsed and approved the Windhoek Declaration during its January 2017 Summit, affirming the unwavering commitment to ensuring safe and efficient civil aviation throughout Africa.
AFCAC has since been tasked with the vital role of monitoring and reporting on the implementation of these targets, ensuring their realization for the benefit of the African aviation community.
4. AVSEC & FAL Working Groups
The AFCAC AVSEC & FAL Working Group, along with its Sub-Groups, was established in 2023 with a distinct mission: to bolster aviation security and facilitation initiatives in Africa. These groups are instrumental in propelling the goals set forth in the AFCAC Work Program. Moreover, they act as a driving force for the exchange of expertise and knowledge, promoting stronger collaboration among all stakeholders engaged in aviation security and facilitation throughout the African continent.
- I. Main Group: Aviation Security and Facilitation
- II. Sub-Groups:
- Technical and Guidance Material Task Force
- Training Task Force
- Explosive Detection Equipment and Dogs Study Group
- Study Group on Cyber Security in Civil Aviation
- Behaviour Detection Study Group
- Immigration Group
5. AFI-CES Experts Scheme
AFI-CES, the African Civil Aviation Commission Expert Scheme, stands as a mechanism within Africa, dedicated to supporting States in the field of aviation security and facilitation. Comprising proficient aviation security and facilitation experts, each designated by their respective States and trained by AFCAC, AFI-CES serves as a valuable resource for states seeking technical assistance. Its expertise extends to various activities such as training, workshops, on-site assistance, and more, all aimed at enhancing aviation security capabilities across the continent.
6. AVSEC & FAL Training and Cooperation Programmes
The main objective is to assist Member States in addressing deficiencies found during audits and enhancing their aviation security measures. This is achieved by planning and conducting capacity-building activities, including training, workshops on common topics of interest, on-site training tailored to specific needs expressed by Member States.
With the support of sister organizations and partners AFCAC closely collaborates in organizing activities based on the needs of States, which are collected and discussed in partnership. These activities are presented in various formats, such as one-on-one training sessions, workshops, and online training sessions, all aimed at strengthening the capabilities of Member States and promoting consistent aviation security practices.
7. One Stop Security Initiative
One of the key strategic objectives of the ICAO Aviation Security Panel is to actively monitor the advancement of the One-Stop Security concept and promote the establishment of new multilateral One-Stop Security arrangements between States. This effort is aimed at reducing the duplication of security measures whenever feasible. Annex 17 of the ICAO includes Standards and Recommendations, permit States to exempt passengers, cabin baggage, and hold baggage from re-screening. This exemption is granted provided that a recognition of equivalence process is in place, ensuring that security measures conducted in one State align with the security measures in other State(s) in terms of achieving the same level of security outcome.
This concept of One-Stop Security offers various advantages to the aviation industry, including airports and airlines. These benefits include increased operational efficiency, quicker transfer times for passengers, reduced instances of lost baggage, and enhanced passenger satisfaction. Additionally, the implementation of One-Stop Security promotes collaboration, mutual understanding, and the exchange of vital information regarding aviation security procedures among participating States.
AFCAC is actively supporting a trial project involving four Member States: Kenya, Togo, Senegal, and South Africa. The objective is to encourage these States to recognize their aviation security standards, sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for the recognition of security measures, and implement One-Stop Security arrangements. This initiative represents a significant step toward streamlining security procedures and facilitating smoother air travel experiences for passengers within the African continent.
8. AFI SECFAL Plan
The overall objective of the AFI SECFAL Plan is to enhance aviation security and facilitation in Africa in a sustainable manner. Please see link below for more information:
https://www.icao.int/ESAF/AFISECFAL/Pages/about-afi-secfal-plan.aspx
For details on the latest AFI-SECFAL Plan meeting in Nairobi, Kenya 23rd August 2023 please see the link below:
https://www.icao.int/ESAF/AFISECFAL/Pages/sc12-secfal-plan.aspx