ZAF welcomes the world to Zambia as it hosts Air Force Chiefs Symposuim
Immediately after this Valentine Weekend, Lusaka, Zambia’s Garden City, will step away from its romatic hangover and host a significant global event that promises to reshape the future of Africa’s air operations, collaboration and humanitarian response.
From Monday, 17 to Friday, 21 February 2025, the City will welcome over 41 Air Force Chiefs from across Africa, the United States and South America for the prestigious African Air Chiefs Symposium (AACS) that will take place at the serenic Ciela Resort Hotel.
What does this Symposuim mean to Zambia and other African Countries attending?
Well, Africa faces growing challenges, from climate change to security threats. The Symposuim is here to address the pertinet roles of Air Forces in addressing these crises for the safety and socio economic benefit of their nations and citizens.
This means providing a rare platform for Air Force Commanders to discuss collaborative action in response to humanitarian crises and disaster mitigation as well as the need for joint operations to protect vulnerable citizens in member Countries.
A key unsual feature of the 2025 symposium will be a Tabletop Exercise (TTX) that will have a component of simulating flooding in Zambia. This exercise will be key to offering a crucial opportunity for African Air Forces to strategise disaster response to climate induced events.
By using Zambia’s flooding scenarios as a reference point, Air Chiefs will explore how air assets can be mobilised for rapid relief, creating a model and blueprit for similar operations across Africa.
Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Commander, Lt Gen Oscar Msitu Nyoni, who also serves as Chairperson of the Association of African Air Forces (AAAF), views the event as a defining moment for both Africa and the wider international community as they discuss how to better the challenges that affect citizens across the continent.
Now, as Zambia opens its doors to international delegations, the nation is called upon to stand ready to offer more than just a professional setting for the discussions but the Zambian hospitality, renowned for its warmth and generosity to shine through as citizens welcome our guests in our land of joy and unity, Zambia the Real Africa!
“The AACS 2025 is not just a military event; it is a chance for all of us to showcase our nation’s rich culture and values, strengths and commitment to muiltinational collaboration,” Lt Gen Nyoni observed.
The AACS 2025 promises to be a landmark moment in the fight against African challenges, one that Zambia, through ZAF is proud to host.
The Symposuim will be held under the theme “Collaboration and Operational Excellence: Enhancing the Effectiveness of the Association of African Air Forces (AAAF) aligning with the critical need for collective action, knowledge sharing and strengthening military aviation across borders.
Zambia Air Force – Defend and Support
Photos captured during a Session of the AAAF Working Group Meeting in Lusaka recently.
Credit: Zambia Air Force