A spate of tragedy was visited on the aviation industry in December 2024; seven (7) devastating incidents and accidents across countries, including Kazakhstan, South Korea, Canada, Norway, Germany, and the UAE, taking hundreds of precious lives. A celebratory end of the year quickly turned into a series of tragic events within a short time frame, that not only raised questions about safety protocols and operational procedures, but also left families affected in deep grief. Sadly, on January 30, 2025 a collision in the United States Washington area involving American Airlines jet aircraft and an army helicopter claimed 67 lives. These incidents and accidents have highlighted critical vulnerabilities within the aviation industry, prompting renewed scrutiny over safety protocols, pilot training, and technological advancements.
African Aviation was exempted from these devastating tragedies. Despite its historical challenges in aviation safety, Africa has shown commitment to improved air safety measures. As a high-growth market, undergoing rapid economic development, the African aviation industry has demonstrated it is keen on mitigating risk and optimizing opportunities while maintaining and enhancing safety standards.
Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu (Former President, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and founder of the International Partners for Aviation Development, Innovation and Sustainability (iPADIS), makes a very cogent point when he said “Safety is the cornerstone of the aviation sector, and it is essential that we continue to work together to strengthen safety management systems across the continent. Africa’s aviation future depends on creating a safety culture where all stakeholders are actively engaged.”
Aviation plays a crucial role in Africa’s economic development and connectivity, linking its vast and diverse regions both within the continent and other worlds. However, the continent faces unique aviation safety challenges that have not only been persistent for decades but require comprehensive solutions. Ensuring operational safety performance is not only vital for protecting lives but also for fostering economic growth and confidence in the sector.
Over the last decade, aviation safety in Africa has seen improvements but remains an area of ongoing focus. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Africa has historically had higher accident rates compared to other regions, but these rates have been improving. The accident rate in Africa decreased significantly in the past decade. In 2014, Africa’s fatal accident rate was about 8.4 per million flights, but by 2020, it had dropped to 3.5 per million flights, reflecting improved safety measures. ICAO’s ongoing efforts in Universal Safety Oversight Audits continue to help African states improve their safety oversight systems, leading to better adherence to global safety standards. In 2021, Africa saw a significant reduction in accident rates, attributed to better regulation, stricter oversight, and increased investment in aviation safety technology.
In its safety report for 2023, IATA noted on Africa: “The all-accident rate improved from 10.88 per million sectors in 2022 to 6.38 in 2023, better than the 5-year average of 7.11. In 2023, there were no fatalities. This region has had no jet hull losses or fatal accidents since 2020.” The report added that “Additionally, 2023 marked the fifth occurrence of Africa reporting zero fatal turboprop accidents, with the first instance recorded in 2015.”
MORE ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
In spite of the improvements, IATA notes: “The Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) as well as AFI Regional Aviation Safety Plan for Effective Implementation (EI) of ICAO ISARPs have increased the minimum SARPs implementation threshold to 75% or greater (from 60%). Only 12 of Africa’s 54 states meet this new threshold indicating the need for significant improvements.”
In line with the collaborative approach, IATA in 2023 launched its Collaborative Aviation Safety Improvement Program (CASIP) uunder the Focus Africa programme to enhance aviation safety in Africa. CASIP efforts are continuing to partner with states to increase implementation of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). Also, the African Airlines Association in 2024 held it inaugural Safety Summit in conjunction with the Flight Safety Foundation.
AFRAA Secretary General Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé stated: “Safety is among AFRAA’s top priorities and the driving force behind our championing regional safety coordination for Better Skies in Africa. For African aviation to yield better safety performance, the continued coordinated efforts by aviation stakeholders are essential in line with the five pillars: cooperative approach to safety improvement in Africa under the framework of the Abuja Safety Targets, operational compliance of African carriers with international standards, data-driven safety management, infrastructure safety, and fleet modernization.”
Whilst it is noteworthy that considerable progress has been made over time, it is important to foster environments with strong safety culture and practices within the aviation space. This would involve encouraging open communication, transparency, non-punitive approaches to safety reporting, developing safety management systems and regular safety audit to support this cultural shift, which in turn will help identify the specific areas that require attention.
Addressing aviation safety challenges in Africa requires a holistic and collaborative approach by strengthening regulatory frameworks, investing in infrastructure, enhancing training, promoting a safety culture, fostering regional cooperation, leveraging technology, and addressing human factors.
THE WAY FORWARD
The aviation sector in Africa has seen significant progress over recent years, but challenges remain in terms of safety concerns. Continued commitment targeted at these deficient areas will contribute to enhancing aviation safety in Africa, ensuring that the continent’s aviation sector remains safe, efficient, and capable of supporting economic growth.
This overview highlights key areas of focus for improving aviation safety in Africa:
Regional Cooperation & Collaboration
African countries are increasingly collaborating to improve aviation safety. Initiatives like the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the Regional Safety Oversight Organizations (RSOOs) are instrumental in standardizing regulations, sharing best practices and resources. Strengthening regional cooperation through initiatives like the African Union’s aviation safety programs and participating in joint safety projects, can end the reign of fragmented safety practices, and varying standards across countries in Africa to a more unified approach to safety standards. Harmonizing regulations with international standards and increasing training for regulatory personnel can improve compliance and safety oversight.
Investment in Infrastructure
Many African nations are investing in upgrading airport facilities and air traffic control systems. These improvements are enhancing operational efficiency and safety across the continent. Several African countries are adopting new technologies to improve aviation safety – The introduction of satellite-based surveillance systems and modern communication tools is advancing the continent’s safety capabilities. Continued investment in modernizing infrastructure and expanding facilities can enhance safety. Public-private partnerships and international funding can support these developments.
Improvement in Data Gathering and statistics
Although the rate of accidents relating to air travel has reduced recently due to increased scrutiny by regulatory bodies in the sector, there has to be emphasis on proper documentation and analysis of causative factors and the impact analysis of these incidents. Only then can there be tailored steps that are likely to forestall re-occurence of some of these mishaps. There are key learnings to be taken from reports from prior periods. Trend analysis can be an effective tool also, in addressing safety in a proactive manner
Training and Capacity Building
Up-to-date trained aviation personnel and professionals are the life wire of the aviation biosphere. Establishing more aviation training centers and partnering with international institutions can address these gaps. Also, ongoing professional development and certification programs are crucial for keeping skills current and relevant. The sector faces the challenges of shortage of adequately trained pilots, technical crew and most importantly, rescue and respondent teams that are able to swing in and save lives in dire cases.
Cultivating a Safety Culture
Having a Safety culture that is uniformly developed with the international standard and recommended practices (SARPS) is crucial to promoting a safety-focused culture through education and training. Also, encouraging open reporting of safety concerns, can foster a more proactive approach to safety.
Addressing Human Factors
Human error remains a significant factor in aviation safety incidents and accidents. Focusing on human factors training and implementing robust error management systems can reduce the impact of human errors. Staff have to be trained and equipped with the necessary capabilities to prevent accidents and to manage near-misses in the event of such occurrence that cannot be prevented.
Leveraging International Partnerships
Collaborating with global aviation organizations and leveraging their expertise and resources can accelerate improvements in safety. There also has to be increased scrutiny and regulations that make it mandatory for operators to be audited on their safety procedures and practices on a periodic basis. These audits will give rise to clear implementable steps that will address gaps observed and instill a safer manner of doing things going forward.
In conclusion, the African aviation sector has made significant strides, but continued commitment to these strategies is crucial for further enhancement of safety. By focusing on regional collaboration, investment in infrastructure, technological advancement, regulatory strengthening, and cultivating a strong safety culture, Africa can ensure its aviation industry remains safe, efficient, and supportive of economic growth. Addressing these areas comprehensively will help overcome existing challenges and set a strong foundation for future development. Finally, the occurrences in 2024, should serve to remind stakeholders in the African Aviation industry of the dangers of complacency in aviation safety.
This article is written by Ms. Debbie Egwuogu, a Certified Licensed Flight Dispatcher and Lead Travel Planner, Waka with Debbie.