
Zambia to Host 14th African Air Chiefs Symposium for the First Time
By Alice Lubasi
Zambia is scheduled to host the 14th African Air Chiefs Symposium (AACS) of the Association of African Air Forces (AAAF) next week.
The annual symposium is a multi-national security cooperation initiative addressing key challenges confronting African Air Forces.
The Ministry of Defence, through the Zambia Air Force (ZAF), will be hosting this event for the first time since its inception in 2015.
ZAF Commander Lieutenant General Oscar Nyoni is the current Chairperson of the AAAF.
Over 250 delegates, including 39 Air Force Commanders, will be in attendance at the symposium.
The delegates will represent 38 African countries, while other delegates will come from the United States of America and Chile.
The African Air Chiefs Symposium 2025 will focus on strengthening multilateral cooperation to enhance air operations during Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.
Defence Permanent Secretary, Norman Chipakupaku, says events of such magnitude bring economic benefits to the country, especially to the hospitality and transport sectors.
Meanwhile, Zambia Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Oscar Nyoni says the event is an avenue to address some of the challenges being faced in Africa.
Lieutenant General Nyoni says the event is a defining moment for both Africa and the wider international community as they discuss how to better address the challenges that affect citizens across the continent.
This is according to a statement issued to ZNBC News in Lusaka by Ministry of Defence Principal Public Relations Officer, Paul Shalala.