East Africa’s Aviation Regulators Advance Safety and Collaboration

Boeing joined forces with Cranfield University, the East African Community Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (EAC-CASSOA) and the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority to host a three-day Regulatory Excellence workshop in Entebbe, Uganda.

Civil aviation regulators from Kenya, Rwanda, Somali, South Sudan and Uganda, the Uganda Ministry of Works and Transport, and Uganda’s carriers participated in interactive sessions designed to foster knowledge exchange and further enhance aviation safety across East Africa.

“East Africa is setting an example of how a harmonized regulatory system can support compliance, safety and efficiency of air transportation across borders,” said Kayode Ariwodola, Boeing director of safety and regulatory affairs for Africa and the Middle East. “We are proud of this collaborative workshop, which created a platform for regulators to exchange expertise and strengthen collective capacity”.

Richard Gatete, executive director of the East African Community Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency, said: “The topics of the workshop reflected the reality that aviation is rapidly evolving, shaped by emerging technologies such as uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance, digital oversight platforms, and green technologies to reduce emissions at airports. Regulators must therefore anticipate these changes, providing frameworks that enable innovation while ensuring safety, security and sustainability”.

Fred Bamwesigye, director general of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, added: “I extend our sincere appreciation to Boeing, Cranfield University, and EAC-CASSOA for co-organizing this program, and to all partner states and stakeholders for their collaboration. Let us continue to embody the spirit of excellence, in the way we regulate, in the way we collaborate, and in the way we innovate, because the growth of aviation in Africa depends on the ability to uphold the highest standards while embracing change.”

Developed and delivered by subject‑matter experts from Cranfield University and Boeing, the program offered a forum to share best practices on stakeholder engagement, safety management systems (SMS), accident investigation, emergency response, certification, navigating disruption and managing change, including introducing new aircraft systems. Its collaborative format promoted peer exchange and further strengthened cohesiveness and resilience across East Africa’s aviation ecosystem.

Dr. Fabian Steinmann, lecturer at Cranfield School of Management, said: “At Cranfield University, we work closely with aviation organizations worldwide, and we have integrated our insights and best practices into this program. It was great to see the enthusiasm and commitment of the delegates as they work on EAC-CASSOA’s mission to enhance safety and security oversight systems across all partner states by harmonizing civil aviation standards.”

The workshop in Uganda is a continuation of Boeing’s partnership with African stakeholders to jointly promote safety and improve intraregional connectivity. The program leveraged the expertise of Cranfield University and the Boeing Global Learning Institute, which was established in 2018 to support Boeing operators and partners globally through learning and talent development.

Boeing and Cranfield University regularly collaborate with African carriers to offer airline employees tailored programs in safety, airline economics, and leadership.