AFRAA and YAAPA Sign MoU For Development of Aviation in Africa

The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the YAAPA-Young African Aviation Professional Association (YAAPA). The MoU will provide a framework of cooperation between AFRAA and YAAPA to support the development of youth and women in aviation in Africa on various focus areas including: financing, training, employment opportunities and collaboration across the industry for policy actions.

The MoU was signed by Abdérahmane Berthé, AFRAA’s Secretary-General and YAAPA Founder Ms. Fadimatou Noutchemo Simo. Under the terms of the agreement, both parties will cooperate closely and consult each other on matters and/or activities of mutual interest to build a bridge between the aviation stakeholders and the next generation of aviation professionals in Africa. AFRAA and YAAPA will also collaborate on initiatives for the promotion of youth and women in aviation in Africa.

Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé stated: “The development of the next generation aviation professionals in Africa is critical for the sustainability of the sector. We need to train, develop and groom qualified and competent professionals to meet the air transport needs of the future of the African continent. AFRAA is excited to collaborate with YAAPA on concrete actions that will bring this about.”

“Another critical agenda that will drive the future sustainability of the air transport sector is attainment of gender diversity. Across the spectrum in aviation, Women remain underrepresented in leadership positions and STEM-related careers. This MoU will facilitate collaboration on initiatives that will make the aviation industry more gender balanced and contribute to the attainment of goal no.5 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs),” Mr. Berthé added.

Ms. Fadimatou Noutchemo Simo said: “it is our responsibility to ensure the next generations across the continent actively take part in the development of the aviation sector as the Agenda 2063‘s implementation greatly relies on the development through partnership between the aviation stakeholders and the youth. This MOU will reinforce the actions for development and give the opportunity for new strategies to be implemented for the growth of our sector, I am very happy because it confirms the engagement of AFRAA to both youth and women growth”

For an effective implementation of the MoU, AFRAA and YAAPA have developed an action plan which will guide the annual plan of activities. The plan will be reviewed periodically.

About AFRAA

The African Airlines Association, also known by its acronym AFRAA, is a trade association of airlines from the member states of the African Union (AU). Founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry. The Association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable Air Transport industry in Africa where African Airlines become key players and drivers to African economic development.

AFRAA membership of 44 airlines cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators. The Association members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

About YAAPA

The Young African Aviation Professional Association by its abbreviation YAAPA is an on profit association to promote, attract and retain through communication young Africans. The Association was founded in 2O14 motivated to create awareness on human resource development opportunities across the continent to youths, especially girls.