CANSO Africa Conference 2025 – Our Programme
Our conference theme this year is: Future skies for Africa, enhancing alignment, collaboration and implementation
This year’s conference is more than a gathering—it’s a strategic moment for Africa to help shape the global future of air traffic management. As airspace users diversify, technologies advance, and automation accelerates, Africa has a unique opportunity to position itself as a proactive player in global aviation transformation.
The conference will bring together leaders, technical experts, regulators, and innovators from across the continent and the world to explore how Africa can align its plans with global strategies, including the Complete Air Traffic System’s (CATS) Global Council’s Vision 2045, its Concept of Operations (CONOPS), and ICAO’s evolving global frameworks.
Each day of the conference will be guided by a thematic focus:
- Day 1 – This day will be dedicated to various workshops, some hosted by our industry partners. The main focus will be on the changing ATM Eco-system and Safety Culture.
- Day 2 – The Road Ahead: Aligning the Future with Our Past and Present
A deep dive into the CATS Vision 2045 and CONOPS, exploring how to align them with AFI initiatives and create a tailored high-level roadmap for Africa. We will also identify opportunities to fast-track technology deployment by focusing on readily achievable goals and global best practices. - Day 3 – Enhancing Safety Foundations for Future Skies
A focused look at the safety enablers for the future operational environment, including the evolving safety culture, leadership’s role in change management, safety data integration, and the shifting employee profile. Discussions will link back to the leadership and human factors themes introduced earlier in the programme.
Agenda
- OVERVIEW
- LIST VIEW
- TUESDAY
- WEDNESDAY
- THURSDAY
*All speakers are listed in alphabetical order per session.
08:00-17:00
Registration
Victoria Foyer
08:00-17:30
Exhibition
Victoria Foyer
09:00-12:00
AFC3 Meeting (by invitation only)
Victoria 3
12:00-13:00
Light Lunch for Workshop Attendees
Victoria Foyer
12:00-13:00
AFC3 Meeting Lunch (by invitation only)
Waridi Restaurant
13:00-15:00
CANSO Workshop: The Role of Leadership in Shaping and Managing Safety Culture
Victoria Ballroom
Facilitator
Anthony MacKay – NAV CANADA
Moderator
Capt. Gilbert Kibe – Air Transport Consulting Ltd.
Speaker
Kamamba Wamuwi – Zambia Airports Corporation Limited
Panellists
Fred Bamwesigye – Uganda Civil Aviation Authority
Matita Tshabalala – HumanErgoCoach
MoisĂ©s Monteiro – ASA
14:30-15:00
Networking Break
Victoria Foyer
15:30-17:30
Workshop: Next-Level Applications for Space-Based ADS-B Data
Victoria Ballroom
Presenters
Paco Solvez – Aireon LLC
Stuart Ratcliffe – Aireon LLC
Tim Brouwer – Aireon LLC
Sponsored by:
17:30-18:30
Welcome Drinks
Samawati Sports Bar
| Tue 26 August | Event | Location | Contributors |
|---|---|---|---|
08:00-17:00 |
Registration |
Victoria Foyer |
|
08:00-17:30 |
Exhibition |
Victoria Foyer |
|
09:00-12:00 |
AFC3 Meeting (by invitation only) |
Victoria 3 |
|
12:00-13:00 |
Light Lunch for Workshop Attendees |
Victoria Foyer |
|
12:00-13:00 |
AFC3 Meeting Lunch (by invitation only) |
Waridi Restaurant |
|
13:00-15:00 |
CANSO Workshop: The Role of Leadership in Shaping and Managing Safety Culture |
Victoria Ballroom | |
14:30-15:00 |
Networking Break |
Victoria Foyer |
|
15:30-17:30 |
Workshop: Next-Level Applications for Space-Based ADS-B DataSponsored by:
|
Victoria Ballroom |
|
17:30-18:30 |
Welcome Drinks |
Samawati Sports Bar |
|
08:00-17:00
Exhibition
Victoria Foyer
08:00-09:00
Registration and Welcome Coffee
Victoria Foyer
08:00-09:00
Welcome Coffee
Victoria Foyer
09:00-10:30
Opening Session
Victoria Ballroom
Facilitator
Thabani Myeza – CANSO
Speakers
Hon. Mr. Davis Chirchir, EGH – Ministry of Roads and Transport
Mr. Brown M. M. Ondego, EBS – Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
Emil Rogers – Roberts F.I.R
Emile Arao – Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
Lucy Mbugua – ICAO ESAF
10:30-11:00
Networking Break
Victoria Foyer
11:00-11:45
Opening Keynote: Setting the Scene – The Global Roadmap for Future Skies
Victoria Ballroom
Speakers
Maartje van der Helm – LVNL
Tim Arel – CANSO
11:45-12:45
Leadership Dialogue: Regional Integration and the Future Skies of Africa
Victoria Ballroom
Moderator
Dr. Eduardo GarcĂa – CANSO
Panellists
Anne Gitau – Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
Flora Mwanshinga – Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority
Gaoussou Konate – African Airlines Association
Josia Manyakoana – ATNS
Prosper Zo’o Minto’o – ASECNA
Tim Arel – CANSO
12:45-13:45
Networking Lunch
Victoria 3
13:45-15:30
Interactive Session: Aligning CATS with Regional Plans
Victoria Ballroom
Facilitators
Dr. Eduardo GarcĂa – CANSO
Nicki Harricharan – CANSO
Presenters
Anne Gitau – Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
Flora Mwanshinga – Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority
Josia Manyakoana – ATNS
Joyce Asante – Ghana Civil Aviation Authority
15:30-17:00
Future Skies for Africa: Africa’s Technology Advantage – Or Is It?
Victoria Ballroom
Facilitators
Joyce Asante – Ghana Civil Aviation Authority
Nicki Harricharan – CANSO
17:00-17:15
Closing Session
Victoria Ballroom
19:30-22:00
Conference Dinner
The Carnivore Restaurant
Hosted by:
| Wed 27 August | Event | Location | Contributors |
|---|---|---|---|
08:00-17:00 |
Exhibition |
Victoria Foyer |
|
08:00-09:00 |
Registration and Welcome Coffee |
Victoria Foyer |
|
08:00-09:00 |
Welcome Coffee |
Victoria Foyer |
|
09:00-10:30 |
Opening Session |
Victoria Ballroom |
Facilitator Thabani Myeza |
10:30-11:00 |
Networking Break |
Victoria Foyer |
|
11:00-11:45 |
Opening Keynote: Setting the Scene – The Global Roadmap for Future Skies |
Victoria Ballroom |
|
11:45-12:45 |
Leadership Dialogue: Regional Integration and the Future Skies of Africa |
Victoria Ballroom |
Moderator Dr. Eduardo GarcĂa |
12:45-13:45 |
Networking Lunch |
Victoria 3 |
|
13:45-15:30 |
Interactive Session: Aligning CATS with Regional Plans |
Victoria Ballroom |
|
15:30-17:00 |
Future Skies for Africa: Africa’s Technology Advantage – Or Is It? |
Victoria Ballroom |
|
17:00-17:15 |
Closing Session |
Victoria Ballroom |
|
19:30-22:00 |
Conference DinnerHosted by:
|
The Carnivore Restaurant |
|
08:00-13:30
Exhibition
Victoria Foyer
08:00-09:00
Welcome Coffee
Victoria Foyer
09:00-09:15
Opening of Day 3
Victoria Ballroom
Speaker
Thabani Myeza – CANSO
09:15-10:30
Safety Focus – Enhancing our Safety foundations for Future Skies
Victoria Ballroom
Facilitators
Dr. Jaco van der Westhuizen – ATNS
John Wennes – CANSO
Panellists
Bola Ahmed – NAMA
Derek Lartey – Ghana Civil Aviation Authority
Kamamba Wamuwi – Zambia Airports Corporation Limited
Margarett da Graça – ASA
Maureen Isika – Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
Samba Dabor – Roberts F.I.R.
10:30-11:00
Networking Break
Victoria Foyer
11:00-12:30
Safety Focus – The Changing Employee Profile and the Implications for Safety Management
Victoria Ballroom
Facilitator
Andrea Sack – Austro Control
Presenter
Mercy Makau – Young Aviators Club of Africa
Speakers
Derek Lartey – Ghana Civil Aviation Authority
Samba Dabor – Roberts F.I.R.
Panellists
Amos Bwali – Zambia Airports Corporation Limited
Josh Gilmore – Firstfruits Services
Maureen Isika – Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
Simphiwe Masilela – ATNS
12:30-12:40
Closing Session
Victoria Ballroom
Speaker
Maureen Isika – Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
12:40-13:00
Conference Closing Ceremony
Victoria Ballroom
Speaker
MoisĂ©s Monteiro – ASA
13:00-14:00
Networking Lunch
Victoria 3
14:15-16:00
Tour of KCAA Area Control Centre and Disaster Recovery Centre
KCAA Facilities
| Thu 28 August | Event | Location | Contributors |
|---|---|---|---|
08:00-13:30 |
Exhibition |
Victoria Foyer |
|
08:00-09:00 |
Welcome Coffee |
Victoria Foyer |
|
09:00-09:15 |
Opening of Day 3 |
Victoria Ballroom |
Speaker Thabani Myeza |
09:15-10:30 |
Safety Focus – Enhancing our Safety foundations for Future Skies |
Victoria Ballroom |
|
10:30-11:00 |
Networking Break |
Victoria Foyer |
|
11:00-12:30 |
Safety Focus – The Changing Employee Profile and the Implications for Safety Management |
Victoria Ballroom |
Facilitator Andrea SackPresenter Mercy Makau |
12:30-12:40 |
Closing Session |
Victoria Ballroom |
Speaker Maureen Isika |
12:40-13:00 |
Conference Closing Ceremony |
Victoria Ballroom |
Speaker Moisés Monteiro |
13:00-14:00 |
Networking Lunch |
Victoria 3 |
|
14:15-16:00 |
Tour of KCAA Area Control Centre and Disaster Recovery Centre |
KCAA Facilities |
|
Speakers
Bola Ahmed
General Manager Safety Management Systems/Quality Assurance
NAMA
Emile Arao
Director General
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
Tim Arel
Executive Committee Chair
CANSO
Joyce Asante
Director Air Traffic Safety Engineering
Ghana Civil Aviation Authority
Fred Bamwesigye
Director General
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority
Tim Brouwer
Senior Account Manager
Aireon LLC
Amos Bwali
Manager Air Traffic Services
Zambia Airports Corporation Limited
Hon. Mr. Davis Chirchir, EGH
Cabinet Secretary
Ministry of Roads and Transport
Margarett da Graça
Director of Operations
ASA
Samba Dabor
Safety Manager, Roberts F.I.R. and Deputy Chair, CANSO Africa Safety Workgroup
Roberts F.I.R.
Dr. Eduardo GarcĂa
Senior Manager Future Skies
CANSO
Josh Gilmore
Management Consultant
Firstfruits Services
Anne Gitau
Director Air Navigation Services
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
Nicki Harricharan
Operations Programme Manager
CANSO
Maureen Isika
Senior Air Traffic Control Officer, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and Chair, CANSO Africa Safety Workgroup
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
Capt. Gilbert Kibe
Managing Director
Air Transport Consulting Ltd.
Gaoussou Konate
Consulting Director, Technical and Operations
African Airlines Association
Derek Lartey
Acting Safety Standards and Quality Assurance Manager
Ghana Civil Aviation Authority
Anthony MacKay
Vice President and Chief Safety & Quality Officer, NAV CANADA, and Chair, CANSO Safety Standing Committee Steering Group
NAV CANADA
Mercy Makau
Founder & President
Young Aviators Club of Africa
Josia Manyakoana
Interim Chief Air Traffic Services Officer
ATNS
Simphiwe Masilela
Air Traffic Controller
ATNS
Lucy Mbugua
Regional Director
ICAO ESAF
Moisés Monteiro
Chairman & CEO
ASA
Flora Mwanshinga
Director Air Navigation Services
Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority
Thabani Myeza
Director Africa Affairs
CANSO
Mr. Brown M. M. Ondego, EBS
Chairman Board of Directors
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
Stuart Ratcliffe
Product Manager, AireonFLOW
Aireon LLC
Emil Rogers
Secretary General, Roberts F.I.R and Deputy Chair, CANSO Africa CEO Committee
Roberts F.I.R
Andrea Sack
Director Safety, Security & Quality Management, Austro Control and Vice-Chair, CANSO Safety Standing Committee Steering Group
Austro Control
Paco Solvez
Senior Sales Manager, MEA & LATAM
Aireon LLC
Matita Tshabalala
Aviation Psychologist
HumanErgoCoach
Maartje van der Helm
General Manager of Performance & Development, LVNL and Chair, CANSO Operations Standing Committee Chair Steering Group
LVNL
Dr. Jaco van der Westhuizen
Human Factors Specialist & Acting Head: Aviation Safety
ATNS
Kamamba Wamuwi
Manager Safety Health Environment and Quality (MSHEQ)
Zambia Airports Corporation Limited
John Wennes
Safety Programme Manager
CANSO
Prosper Zo’o Minto’o
Director General
ASECNA