The Association of African Air Forces (AAAF), under the chairmanship of the Chief of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has advanced its institutional development and strategic direction following a high-level Planning Conference held from 31 August to 4 September 2026 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Hosted by USAFE-AFAFRICA, the conference brought together members of the AAAF Permanent Secretariat, AAAFEX 2027 planners, Liaison Officers, working-group representatives and subject-matter experts, including representatives of the System of Cooperation Among the American Air Forces (SICOFAA).
The conference focused on translating the outcomes of the 2026 African Air Chiefs’ Symposium in Tunisia into practical initiatives, while advancing the AAAF Procedures Manual, Strategic Plan 2027–2034 and roadmap towards AAAFEX 2029. Key priorities included institutional continuity, strategic communication and stakeholder engagement. In a significant development, Squadron Leader O Lawal of the Nigerian Air Force Directorate of Public Relations and Information was appointed Public Affairs Officer of the AAAF Permanent Secretariat, further reinforcing Nigeria’s contribution to the Association’s institutional development and strategic communication efforts.
The appointment is expected to enhance the Association’s visibility, strategic messaging and engagement with member Air Forces, governments, partners and other stakeholders across the continent. The conference also provided an opportunity to draw lessons from SICOFAA on multilateral air force cooperation and identify practices adaptable to the African context. Its outcomes are expected to provide a stronger foundation for implementing AACS decisions, improving institutional coordination and advancing cooperation among African Air Forces. The development further underscores Nigeria’s continued leadership, through the Nigerian Air Force and the chairmanship of Air Marshal Aneke, in building a stronger and more coordinated African airpower community capable of developing African-led responses to shared security challenges.
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