Equatorial Guinea is accelerating preparations to host the ICAO Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN) 2026, as the government positions the international conference as a catalyst for aviation development, economic diversification, and increased global investment.
Prime Minister H.E Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua on Wednesday received Estanislao Esono Anguesomo, First Vice President of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), for a high-level meeting focused on the progress of preparations for the event, which is scheduled to take place in Equatorial Guinea from December 4 to 11, 2026.
The courtesy visit also provided an opportunity for the ICAO official to congratulate the Prime Minister on the renewed confidence placed in his leadership, while reaffirming the organization’s collaboration with Equatorial Guinea as the country prepares to welcome aviation leaders, policymakers, airlines, investors, and regulators from around the world.
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During the meeting, Esono Anguesomo informed the Prime Minister that the official registration platform for delegates, aviation authorities, investors, and industry stakeholders is now operational, marking an important milestone in the country’s preparations for one of the aviation sector’s most significant annual gatherings.
ICAN, organized by ICAO, serves as the world’s premier forum for negotiating bilateral and multilateral air services agreements between member states. The conference provides governments with an efficient platform to expand international air connectivity, establish new commercial air routes, strengthen aviation partnerships, and facilitate sustainable growth across the global aviation industry.
For Equatorial Guinea, hosting ICAN 2026 represents far more than organizing an international conference. It offers a strategic opportunity to showcase the country’s infrastructure, institutional capacity, and growing commitment to becoming a competitive destination for investment in aviation, transport, logistics, and tourism.
Government officials view the event as closely aligned with the country’s long-term economic transformation agenda. As Equatorial Guinea continues to pursue economic diversification beyond hydrocarbons, improving air connectivity has become a key priority for stimulating tourism, facilitating trade, strengthening logistics networks, and attracting foreign direct investment.
The conference is expected to place Malabo at the center of global aviation discussions for an entire week, bringing together representatives from civil aviation authorities, airlines, airport operators, international organizations, and private-sector investors to negotiate new agreements and explore future opportunities for collaboration.
Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua emphasized the importance of maintaining strong coordination among all institutions involved in organizing the conference, describing ICAN 2026 as an opportunity to reinforce Equatorial Guinea’s international profile while demonstrating the country’s ability to successfully host major global events.
He also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen the civil aviation sector, recognizing aviation as one of the strategic pillars capable of driving economic modernization, regional integration, and sustainable development.
The meeting was attended by H.E. Cándido Muatetema Baita, Vice Prime Minister of the Government; H.E. Honorato Evita Oma, Minister of State; and H.E. Norberto Bartolomé Monsuy, Deputy Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Civil Aviation, underscoring the Government’s coordinated approach to ensuring the successful delivery of the conference.
As preparations continue and international registrations officially open, Equatorial Guinea is positioning itself to host an edition of ICAN that is expected to strengthen aviation cooperation across Africa while creating new opportunities for investment, connectivity, and economic growth. Beyond the conference itself, the event is widely viewed as an important platform for promoting the country’s vision of becoming a regional center for aviation, transport, and international business.