IFATSEA concludes the 13th Africa Region Meeting

Livingstone, Zambia, 16 June 2023:

The International Federation of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Associations (IFATSEA) Africa Region concluded another successful meeting held from the 13th to the 16th of June 2023. The theme of the conference was Sustainable Civil Aviation Transformation through ATSEP Solutions.

The meeting attracted industry leaders and technocrats from aviation organisations such as
CANSO, IFAIMA, IFATCA and the Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ), who contributed
immensely to the discussions varying from drone technology: a panacea to aviation flight
inspections, challenges, and barriers of African ATSEPs in contributing to sustainable aviation
solutions, ATSEP’s role in developing sustainable aviation systems in response to the
emerging, innovative and advanced technological revolution.

We were also graced by the presence of the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), who
also provided sponsorship to enable seamless and fruitful engagements. They also presented
and participated in thought-provoking conversations aimed at taking the aviation industry
to the next frontiers. The meeting resolved to continue engaging these industry players and
contribute to providing solutions that will respond to our rapid technological transition.
Some takeaways were premised on human factors that require deliberate and focused
attention to circumvent potential compromises to aviation safety. We also delved into the
phrase “African solutions to African problems, fronted as a buzzword or reality.”
What are African solutions to developing, acquiring, and implementing technologies such as
Virtual Centres, SWIM, RPAS, IoT, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain etc?

I am elated by the spirit in which the meeting was conducted and equally appreciative of
the instrumental role played by the Zambia Air Traffic Safety Electronics Association
in hosting a successful meeting. The conference wouldn’t have succeeded without various
Affiliates’ attendance and active participation in pertinent discussions during the four days.
To our Affiliates in the Region, we remain indebted to you for your commitment to ensuring
that you keep the African skies safe.

Let the conversation continue as we prepare for the 14th IFATSEA Africa Region meeting in
2024.

With appreciation,
Sam Mahlangu
IFATSEA Director, Africa