Acting AIB Commissioner, John M.K. Wumborti (2nd left) with other aviation leaders at the workshop
At the ongoing RSOOs-RAIO Validation Workshop in Kampala, Uganda, aviation safety stakeholders from across Africa emphasised that stronger collaboration remains essential for the growth and sustainability of Regional Safety Oversight Organizations (RSOOs) and Regional Accident and Incident Investigation Organizations (RAIOs).
In his presentation, Farid Zizu, Representative of France Aviation Civil Services (FACS), underscored that active cooperation is the cornerstone of creating added value for member states.
Delivering a paper titled “AFI RSOO: Creating Added Value to Member States,” Zizu identified trust, a positive dynamic, and clearly defined value-added activities as key factors in enhancing the effectiveness of RSOOs.
He stressed that member states must perceive tangible benefits from their investments, backed by strong credibility, transparency, and accountability to reinforce confidence in regional oversight bodies.
Zizu urged RSOOs to develop initiatives such as joint audits, cooperative safety oversight, and joint inspections, which would substantially ease the workload of national civil aviation authorities.
Meanwhile, addressing participants, Colonel Lawrence Jarra, Commissioner of the Accident Investigation Board (AIB) Gambia, highlighted the critical role of RAIOs in strengthening aviation safety.
Jarra noted that Africa currently operates only one fully functional RAIO, the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) and emphasised the urgent need for stronger regional accident investigation frameworks across the continent.
He called for greater investment in RAIOs to deliver timely safety recommendations and effectively support the aviation industry’s growth, warning that fragmented oversight could undermine regional safety progress.
The workshop also welcomed participation from key aviation leaders, including John M.K. Wumborti, Commissioner for the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB), Ghana.
Wumborti’s involvement underscored Ghana’s ongoing commitment to advancing regional cooperation in aviation safety oversight and accident investigation efforts.
As discussions continued, Farid Zizu reiterated the importance of empowering RSOOs to indirectly bolster RAIOs, thereby minimizing incident backlogs and avoiding duplication of efforts.
Stakeholders concluded that sustainable growth for both RSOOs and RAIOs requires more than financial support, it demands building trust, ensuring transparency, and maintaining strong regional commitment.
The Kampala workshop continues to lay a strong foundation for improved collaboration among African aviation safety bodies, as participants work toward a safer and more integrated air transport system across the continent.