For the air transport sector to grow and be able to effectively play its economic role, there is need to focus on air transport market integration which is supported by effective regulatory and operational institutions hence the need for reform, gender sensitive institutional reforms and strengthening of aviation institutions, enhancement of managerial and technical capacity of the aviation sector, including gender equity aspects. Functional separation between CAAs and air navigation services (ANS), will be key to promoting effectiveness, transparency and accountability. This will enable the EA-SA-IO member states to be better placed to comply with international aviation requirements and to compete at global level. Development and review of national legislation will be necessary to facilitate the reforms.

Skills development is also important for strengthening the capacity of regional civil aviation institutions. There will be targeted training to improve the regional skills base and direct promotion of gender equality to increase the number of women participating in the aviation sector. Through these capacity-building initiatives, employee productivity and managerial competence will be improved.

A baseline study will be undertaken to provide the current status of the aviation sector in the EA-SA-IO States and inform programme implementation

Under this result area, the principal tasks to be undertaken are:

Separation of Civil Aviation Authority regulatory functions from operational functions supported in number of fast-moving countries

Most of the Civil Aviation Authorities in the EA-SA-IO region perform the dual roles of regulation and air navigation services provider, a situation which comprises effectiveness, neutrality and accountability. There is a need to separate regulatory and operational functions of aviation sector institutions, specially separating CAAs from ANSPs. There will be development of new legislation and or review of existing ones together with a clear definition of functions and corresponding new organisational structures.

Enhanced managerial and technical skills for aviation oversight

Capacity building is required in the aviation sector in order to improve both managerial and technical competence to run and maintain the business in an integrated air transport market with evolving technology and business environment. The training should aim to reduce gender inequality which pervades all levels of the aviation sector through a targeted approach. 

Improved gender sensitivity and environment mainstreaming in the aviation sector

In order to address gender inequality in the aviation sector, there is need to change the masculine corporate culture and identity of the aviation sector to attract, promote and retain female talent. There is need to empower women, eliminate cultural stereotypes, adopt gender sensitive approach to gender equality in the workplace, diversity and inclusiveness, coaching and mentoring in support of leadership, and partnerships for gender equality in aviation. Gender sensitive policies and regulations will be developed and implemented to address the gender imbalance.

Dedicated training programmes on promoting gender equality will be provided to the national aviation authorities as part of capacity enhancement. The programme will also seek to promote an organisation culture were senior management in stakeholder institutions undertake deliberate actions to champion the gender cause in the sector.