Mrs. Paule Assoumou Koki, Director General, Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) in this interview with Aviation & Allied Business Journal discussed the growth and development of the air transport sector in Cameroon, airport infrastructure development, the promotion of sustainable aviation in the African aviation sector, SAATM implementation amongst other topics that are peculiar to the African aviation sector.
Q: How would you describe the state of air transport in Cameroon?
A: Cameroon has experienced significant growth in air traffic in recent years. With a population of over 26 million, the country represents a significant market for airlines. After two years of stagnation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector began to rebound in 2021 and has since maintained an upward trajectory, culminating in a record-breaking performance in 2023.
Passenger traffic has increased steadily, surpassing key milestones and showing consistent growth across both international and domestic routes. This positive trend reflects the sector’s recovery compared to pre-pandemic levels and points to renewed confidence in air travel.
Several factors contributed to this positive trend: the revitalization of Camair-Co, the emergence of a new national carrier (ZEJET), the liberalization of the air transport market, the entry of new regional and international airlines, and a stable macroeconomic environment that remains conducive to air travel.
Airport-specific performance shows that Douala International Airport remains the primary hub for international travel and air cargo, whereas Yaoundé-Nsimalen International Airport leads in national traffic and records the highest load factors in the country.
Despite persistent global socio-economic challenges-including inflation, and rising oil prices-Cameroon’s air transport sector has shown remarkable resilience. The trends suggest that the short- and medium-term outlook is positive, with ongoing, market liberalization, stronger airline operations continuing to fuel the sector’s transformation, and the ongoing infrastructure modernization by the government of Cameroon, including the rehabilitation of secondary airports like Kribi, Tiko, and Bertoua, and the planning for a world-class airport to position Cameroon as a regional air hub.
In summary, Cameroon’s air transport sector is in a dynamic phase of recovery and growth, overcoming past disruptions and laying the foundation for a more competitive and sustainable future.
Q: What has been your major preoccupation as the Director General of the Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) and what is your vision for the future of the CCAA?
A: As the Director General of the Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA), my major preoccupation has been ensuring the safety, security, and sustainability of Cameroon’s civil aviation system while aligning our policies and operations with international standards. This entails a comprehensive approach involving the modernization of infrastructure, the strengthening of regulatory oversight, capacity building, and the strategic development of air transport services across the country.
A significant part of this effort has focused on post-pandemic recovery, ensuring that Cameroon’s air transport sector not only regains momentum but does so in a way that is resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking. We have worked diligently to liberalize the air transport market, support the expansion of national carriers, attract new operators, and develop infrastructure projects that reinforce our international competitiveness-such as the construction of the CCAA training school in Yaounde, the Search and Rescue Center recently inaugurated in Yaounde during the Aviation facilitation Conference event, investments in airport modernization and safety equipment, and the ongoing construction of the new CCAA headquarters.
Equally important has been the emphasis on training and human capital development, with the operationalization of the CCAA Training School playing a central role in building national and regional aviation expertise.
My vision for the future of the CCAA is to transform it into a model regulatory authority in Africa-one that is autonomous, innovative, and digitally driven, with robust oversight capabilities and a clear orientation toward sustainable aviation. This includes embracing green initiatives, improving governance, enhancing regional and international cooperation, and reinforcing the role of civil aviation in Cameroon as a key driver of economic growth and integration.
In essence, I see the CCAA not just as a regulator, but as an enabler of opportunity-ensuring that our skies are safe, our systems are efficient, and our sector is future-ready.
Q: Air safety is a critical area of attention for Africa. What strategies are you implementing to enhance safety and efficiency within Cameroon’s aviation sector and also improve the safety rating?
A: Air safety remains a top priority for Cameroon, especially as the country works to strengthen its position within Africa’s growing aviation landscape. To enhance safety and efficiency in the sector-and improve Cameroon’s safety rating-the Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) has adopted a range of targeted strategies.
First, in collaboration with the Central African Air Safety Oversight Agency (ASSA-AC), we have successfully developed more complete and robust aviation regulations. These updated regulatory frameworks now serve as a solid foundation for effective safety oversight, fully aligned with international standards.
Secondly, recognizing that qualified personnel are the cornerstone of any effective safety system, the CCAA has heavily invested in human capital. Over the past few years, we have recruited, trained, and designated 13 new safety inspectors, adding to the 33 designated since 2013. These inspectors play a crucial role in ensuring that air operators and service providers comply with national aviation safety regulations. Furthermore, the CCAA has established a dedicated aviation training school, which not only supports internal capacity building but also contributes to the development of aviation professionals across Cameroon and the wider Central African region. We continuously update and recycle our inspectors’ knowledge to keep pace with evolving international standards.
Thirdly, we are conducting safety oversight based on the level of risk associated with both the activity and the operator performing it. This approach consists of developing a risk profile that considers the complexity of the activities carried out, as well as insights gained from previous oversight of the operator in question. By doing so, we are able to allocate more resources to activities and operators with higher identified risk levels.
Additionally, we assist industry operators in meeting their safety obligations. Through technical support, audits, and ongoing dialogue, we help stakeholders comply with applicable safety requirements and continuously improve their performance.
Finally, we are transitioning from a traditional compliance-based oversight system to a more modern, risk-based approach. This shift will enable us to focus on our resources on the areas of highest safety concern, making oversight more efficient and results-driven.
Q: One of the major challenges in the African aviation sector is the lack of adequate airport infrastructure, hence, many African countries are at various stages of building new airports or improving the existing ones. How are you addressing airport infrastructure challenges in Cameroon?
A: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says Africa is expected to become one of the fastest-growing regions for air travel, with nearly 5% yearly growth over the next 20 years. This is mainly because of a growing middle class and a young population that is set to double by 2050. Yet Africa still faces some serious challenges as seen with lack of airport Infrastructure.
In Cameroon, the government has introduced a comprehensive strategy that includes modernization, decentralization, and innovation-ensuring our airports are ready to support the country’s development goals and meet the future demands of air transport.
First, we have continued to invest in the rehabilitation and modernization of key international airports, including Douala and Yaoundé-Nsimalen. These upgrades are focused on improving passenger terminals, enhancing security systems, runway capacity, and modernizing navigation and communication equipment to meet international standards.
For example, there is a planned for the renovation of Douala International Airport’s passenger terminal. The project includes reorganizing passenger pathways, upgrading equipment to international standards, and expanding capacity to accommodate up to 2 million passengers.
In addition, we are actively working on the revival of secondary airports, such as those in Kribi, Tiko, and Bertoua. The goal is to improve regional connectivity, promote balanced territorial development, and open up new economic opportunities in underserved areas. These investments not only support passenger traffic but also create potential for cargo services and emergency operations.
A key milestone in this effort was the installation of aeronautical ground lighting at Bafoussam Airport in 2020, which significantly improved night operations and overall safety. These types of enhancements promote regional connectivity, open up economic opportunities in underserved areas, and contribute to balanced national development.
Furthermore, the construction of a new, modern international airport is being planned. This future infrastructure will be designed to position Cameroon as a regional aviation hub, capable of handling higher passenger volumes, accommodating newer aircraft types, and offering improved logistics and cargo services.
All these projects are being carried out in line with ICAO standards, with a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency. We are also working to mobilize public and private financing, build local capacity in airport management, and adopt smart technologies to ensure long-term viability.
Q: What is your opinion on SAATM and what stage are you in the implementation of SAATM in the CEMAC region generally? Why do you think some African countries are yet to adopt SAATM?
A: SAATM is a very promising initiative for the continent. It aims to liberalize air transport and improve connectivity between African countries. Personally, I believe it’s a strategic move that can bring substantial benefits, such as lower airfares, increased trade and tourism, and stronger economic integration.
In the CEMAC region, we’ve made encouraging progress. Most member states, including Cameroon, have signed the solemn commitment to SAATM. We are currently in the process of aligning our national policies with its principles.
This involves reviewing bilateral air service agreements, improving regulatory frameworks, and working closely with regional institutions like AFCAC and the African Union to support implementation.
Some African countries are understandably cautious. One of the main concerns is that the market could be dominated by a few large, well-established airlines, which might threaten the survival of smaller national carriers. There are also challenges related to infrastructure, technical capacity, and the need for stronger institutions to enforce competition rules and safety standards.
But overall, with continued cooperation and political will, I believe the continent-and the CEMAC region in particular-will increasingly embrace SAATM for the long-term growth and sustainability of African aviation.
Q: Cameroon recently hosted the ICAO facilitation forum, what were the highpoints of this event for Cameroon and Africa?
A: The recent ICAO Facilitation Regional Forum held in Yaoundé on March 3-4, 2025, was a significant milestone for both Cameroon and the African continent. Themed “Seamless Skies: Efficient Facilitation for a Connected World,” under the High Patronage of His Excellency Paul BIYA, President of the Republic, marked a significant step in advancing air transport development in Africa.
Aviation authorities from across the continent pledged to prioritize ICAO’s digitalization initiatives and strengthen regional cooperation to support the sector’s growth. The forum brought together about 300 participants from 32 countries and 8 international organizations, including stakeholders from aviation, customs, immigration, law enforcement, and public health. Key resolutions included enhancing support for aircraft accident victims, improving accessibility for persons with disabilities, and reinforcing Africa’s voice in global aviation policy. With ICAO projecting above-average passenger growth for Africa through 2050, these collaborative efforts are critical for building a modern, inclusive, and resilient aviation system across the continent.
For Cameroon, the forum served as a platform to showcase its leadership in implementing ICAO standards, particularly those outlined in Annex 9, which focus on the efficient movement of passengers, cargo, and aircraft while maintaining security and compliance. It highlighted the country’s commitment to improving the travel experience and strengthening border and facilitation procedures.
For Africa more broadly, the highpoints included strong regional collaboration to enhance border control, streamline passenger and baggage processing, and adopt technological innovations for safer and more efficient air travel. The forum also addressed pressing issues such as public health protocols, anti-human trafficking initiatives, and improved coordination among law enforcement agencies. Importantly, it marked progress toward harmonized aviation policies across the continent, contributing to better connectivity, economic integration, and secure skies for all Africans.
Q: Last year, CCAA signed a MoU with Vallair on training, what is the significance of this agreement? What other actions are you taking to skill the industry?
A: The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) and Vallair in July 2024 is a major step forward in strengthening aviation training and workforce development in Cameroon. Vallair is a globally recognized company specialized in aircraft maintenance, dismantling, and recycling. This partnership is highly strategic, as it aligns with the growing global demand for skilled professionals in airworthiness, aircraft maintenance, and end-of-life aircraft recycling.
Just two months after signing the MoU, implementation began with the launch of a call for applications for the CAMRA programme (CAMRA comes from the French Designation: Certificat d’ Aptitude en Maintenance et Recyclage des Aéronefs). It is a unique, high-level certified training course in aircraft maintenance and recycling. The programme was designed to train a new generation of professionals capable of supporting airworthiness oversight, maintenance, and aircraft end-of-life management. Notably, two graduates from the programme’s first unit have already been recruited by Vallair, demonstrating the immediate impact and credibility of the initiative.
Until recently, ab initio training for aerospace engineers in Cameroon was mostly done abroad. Local training institutions focused mainly on continuing education or short-term professional certifications. This partnership with Vallair allows us to start building a qualified local workforce capable of supporting not only aircraft operations, but also the broader value chain, including dismantling and recycling-an emerging and largely untapped field in Africa.
Cameroon’s geographic position and airport infrastructure also make it an ideal location to develop a regional hub for these activities. Vallair brings with it extensive international experience and technical expertise, and through this collaboration, they will support curriculum development, provide hands-on internship opportunities, and even facilitate recruitment into the global aviation market.
Ultimately, this initiative is part of our broader strategy to ensure sustainable human resource development in aviation and position Cameroon as a center of excellence for specialized training in Africa.
Q: The CEMAC region is one of the regions in dire need of improved air transport. In your opinion, what are the quick fixes for the region i.e. the low hanging fruits?
A: The CEMAC region, comprising Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon, holds significant economic potential rooted in its abundant natural resources, youthful population, and strategic geographic location, at the heart of Africa. The region is rich in oil, gas, timber, and minerals such as gold and cobalt, offering vast opportunities for value-added processing and export diversification. Agriculture also presents major potential, with large tracts of arable land and favorable climate conditions suitable for crops like cocoa, coffee, cotton, and palm oil-industries that could thrive with investment in agro-processing and supply chains. With its central location in Africa, CEMAC can become an important transport and logistics hub if regional infrastructure and connectivity especially air transport are improved.
CEMAC region has enormous potential for air transport growth but faces several structural and operational challenges. However, there are some quick wins-low-hanging fruits-that can yield immediate results if addressed with political will and regional cooperation.
First, full and effective implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) across all CEMAC member states would open up the skies to increased connectivity, competition, and lower fares. The legal framework exists-we need harmonized and swift execution, starting with liberalizing fifth freedom rights and simplifying bilateral agreements.
Second, we should prioritize harmonizing aviation policies and regulations within the CEMAC zone, especially concerning safety oversight, economic regulation, and facilitation procedures. A common regulatory approach would ease airline operations, reduce redundancies, and improve passenger experience. But we are proud to say that we have already adopt common safety regulations under our regional safety organization called ASSA-AC and based in Ndjamena, Chad.
Another quick gain lies in investing in secondary airports and improving ground infrastructure. Many of these airports are underutilized but could serve as economic catalysts for remote regions if linked through reliable domestic and intra-regional air routes.
