ICAO Worries Over Low Rate Of Annex 9 Implementation In Africa

Lucy Mbugua of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Eastern & Southern African Office says “Africa has the lowest rate of implementation of ICAO Annex9, even though most of the countries signed up to it.”

Speaking during a panel session on Seamless Mobility & Air Transport Facilitation at the African Air Transport Convention & Expo held recently in Lome, Togo, Mbugua emphasized the need to bring aviation agencies in countries together and ensure collaborative implementation of the Annex, adding that “coordination is required by states for effective implementation.”

“I urge African ministers to please, implement Annex9 fully,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Transport, Liberia, Mr. Sirleaf Tyler said his country has a National Air Facilitation Committee tasked with the mandate of ensuring Annex9 implementation in two years.

ICAO Annex 9 (Facilitation) is the international standard regulating the border crossing of aircraft, passengers, crew, and cargo. Established under the Chicago Convention, it dictates the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) required to streamline customs, immigration, and public health procedures while maintaining aviation security and law enforcement. Under the Convention, States are obligated to adopt standards and expedite the necessary formalities in order to minimize operational delays in facilitation.

(Photo culled from Daily Nation)