Why Become an ACI Africa Airport Member?

Joining ACI Africa means becoming part of the leading voice of airports in Africa and a strong professional network committed to strengthening airport excellence across the continent. Membership provides airports with access to advocacy, industry intelligence, specialised training, technical expertise, networking opportunities and strategic support designed to enhance operational performance, sustainability and long-term growth.

As an ACI Africa Airport Member, your airport benefits from a wide range of programmes, services and initiatives designed to help airports respond to current challenges while preparing for future opportunities in the rapidly evolving aviation sector.

Participation in ACI Africa Governance and Leadership

Membership in ACI Africa provides airports with the opportunity to actively participate in the governance and strategic direction of the airport industry at both regional and global levels.

Member airports may be elected to serve on the ACI Africa Board of Directors, where they contribute to guiding the strategic priorities and initiatives of the association and representing the interests of African airports.

Members also have the opportunity to participate in the work of ACI Africa Regional Committees, which address key operational and strategic topics such as safety, security, facilitation, environment, infrastructure, economics and commercial development. These committees provide an important platform for collaboration, exchange of best practices and the development of industry guidance.

Beyond the regional level, African airport members may also be appointed to the ACI World Governing Board, the global decision-making body of the ACI federation, which brings together airport leaders from all regions to define strategic directions for the global airport community.

In addition, members may contribute to the work of ACI World Standing Committees, which play a key advisory role in shaping global airport policies and programmes in areas such as security, safety, environment, economics and facilitation.

Through these governance platforms, ACI Africa members have a direct voice in the development of policies, initiatives and priorities that shape the future of the airport industry worldwide.

Advocacy and Representation

ACI Africa represents the interests of African airports at regional and global levels. Through its engagement with governments, regulators, regional institutions, aviation stakeholders and ACI World, the association ensures that the priorities and challenges of African airports are effectively represented in international aviation discussions.

Members benefit from collective advocacy on key issues such as airport economics, regulatory frameworks, infrastructure development, safety, security, facilitation, sustainability and air connectivity.

Access to Air Traffic Statistics and Industry Intelligence

ACI Africa members benefit from access to comprehensive airport statistics and industry intelligence through the ACI Intelligence Hub (iHub). This platform provides structured data on passenger traffic, aircraft movements, cargo volumes and other key performance indicators from airports worldwide.

Access to these statistics allows member airports to benchmark their performance against regional and global trends, analyse traffic developments, identify market opportunities and strengthen strategic planning. Reliable industry intelligence also supports better decision-making in areas such as route development, infrastructure planning and airport management.

Training and Capacity Building

ACI Africa offers a wide range of professional development programmes aimed at strengthening the knowledge and skills of airport personnel across the continent. These programmes include executive development courses, technical workshops, operational training and specialised seminars addressing the evolving needs of airport management.

Members benefit from preferential access and reduced rates for training programmes delivered through in-person sessions, virtual platforms and specialised learning initiatives designed to support professional excellence within African airports.

Technical Advisory and Support Services (TASS)

Through the Technical Advisory and Support Services (TASS) initiative, ACI Africa provides practical advisory support to member airports facing operational, managerial or strategic challenges. This service connects airports with experienced professionals and specialised expertise to support improvements in areas such as airport operations, safety management, sustainability, commercial development and digital transformation.

TASS enables airports to benefit from targeted expertise and peer support that responds directly to their operational and strategic needs.

Digital Transformation and Operational Support

ACI Africa promotes digital innovation in airport operations through initiatives such as SACOS – Smart Airport Certification and Operations Software, a platform designed to support aerodrome certification processes, operational inspections and compliance monitoring.

The association also supports operational preparedness through SIMAssist, a simulation-based initiative aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness, crisis management capabilities and operational resilience within airports.

Together, these initiatives help airports improve operational oversight, preparedness and efficiency through structured digital and simulation-based tools.

Route Development and Connectivity Support

ACI Africa assists airports in strengthening their air service development strategies through ROUTEInsight, a diagnostic and strategic support initiative designed to help airports better understand market opportunities and connectivity gaps.

This initiative supports airports in identifying viable route opportunities, strengthening airline engagement strategies and enhancing their ability to attract new air services, ultimately contributing to improved regional and international connectivity.

Passenger Experience and Service Quality

ACI Africa encourages its members to continuously enhance the passenger experience through participation in the globally recognised Airport Service Quality (ASQ) programme. This initiative measures passenger satisfaction through standardised surveys and benchmarking tools that help airports better understand traveller expectations and identify areas for service improvement.

Participation in ASQ enables airports to strengthen service culture, improve operational processes and align their performance with internationally recognised best practices.

Environmental Sustainability

ACI Africa actively supports its members in advancing environmental sustainability and climate action through participation in the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme. ACA provides a structured framework for airports to measure, manage and reduce carbon emissions while progressing towards long-term climate goals.

Through awareness programmes, guidance and knowledge sharing, ACI Africa helps member airports strengthen environmental management practices and demonstrate their commitment to responsible and sustainable airport development.

Networking and Knowledge Exchange

ACI Africa provides numerous opportunities for members to connect with airport leaders, aviation experts, industry partners and policymakers across Africa and around the world. Through conferences, technical meetings, committees and regional events, members can exchange experiences, share best practices and discuss common challenges affecting airport operations and development.

These networking opportunities foster collaboration, strengthen partnerships and contribute to the development of a strong and unified African airport community.

Visibility and Industry Recognition

Membership in ACI Africa enhances the visibility of airports within the continental and global aviation community. Member airports have opportunities to participate in flagship initiatives, awards programmes, conferences and technical committees, increasing their profile and engagement within the industry.

Being part of ACI Africa also demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence, collaboration and the sustainable development of the airport sector in Africa.

A Stronger Voice for African Airports

By joining ACI Africa, airports become part of a collective platform dedicated to advancing the interests of the African airport community. Through collaboration, knowledge sharing and strategic initiatives, ACI Africa works with its members to strengthen airport performance, improve connectivity and support the sustainable growth of aviation across the continent.