Zambia’s recent strides in aviation safety oversight have captured the attention of many African nations, with Malawi being one of the first to acknowledge the remarkable progress. The Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) achieved an impressive score of 73.48 percent for Effective Implementation of safety measures during the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Programme Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP CMA) Audit. This achievement reflects Zambia’s commitment to improving its aviation safety standards and has sparked inspiration across the continent.
A delegation from Malawi, led by Fredrick Chisepeya, Director of Aerodromes & Air Navigation Standards, visited Zambia to witness firsthand the advancements the country has made in the aviation sector. Chisepeya and his team were impressed by Zambia’s ability to strengthen its aviation safety practices, which align with international standards. During the visit, Chisepeya extended his congratulations to the Zambia CAA, noting that the success was not only a victory for Zambia but also an encouragement for other African nations striving to improve their aviation safety ecosystems.
“The positive score Zambia achieved is a huge encouragement to all African States as it is a demonstration of our ethos of ‘No Country Left Behind,’” Chisepeya said. He referred to ICAO’s global initiative that aims to support all member states in raising their aviation safety standards, ensuring no country lags in this critical aspect of aviation management.
Zambia’s aviation achievements are not only significant for the country but also for the broader African region. As part of the “No Country Left Behind” initiative, Zambia’s advancements serve as a model for other African countries working to elevate their own aviation safety oversight capabilities. The Malawian delegation saw this visit as an opportunity to learn from Zambia’s experiences and apply the knowledge gained to enhance Malawi’s aviation practices.
Nathan Kaluba, the CAA Director of Aerodrome Safety and Security in Zambia, expressed pride in hosting the Malawian delegation and emphasized the importance of collaboration between African states. “Zambia CAA has scored many strides over the years and is taking a leading role in assisting other States in the provision of safety and security oversight,” Kaluba said.
Kaluba also highlighted the importance of working together across borders to achieve safer skies for the entire region. “Through these collaborations between States, the realization of safe skies for the region may be achieved and ensure that ‘No State is Left Behind’. I am therefore optimistic that this visit will yield positive results as we share best practices between the two CAAs present today.”
Zambia’s development in aviation safety is evidence of its commitment to upholding global safety standards and fostering the expansion and security of the continent’s aviation industry. In addition to deepening bilateral relations, the team from Malawi provided a model for how African countries should cooperate to maintain safe and secure airspace. The African region is getting closer to having a single, well-regulated airspace that is advantageous to all as more and more African nations continue to advance aviation safety.
The partnership between Malawi and Zambia in aviation safety monitoring is a positive start towards building stronger ties throughout Africa, and Zambia’s accomplishments give optimism for a more promising aviation future for the continent.
