Flying High

Namibia’s Toska Sem Takes Flight in African Aviation Leadership

The Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has soared to new heights with the appointment of its Executive Director, Ms. Toska Sem, as Vice President for the Southern Region in the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) Bureau for a three year term. Ms. Sem’s historic election marks the first time a Namibian has held this prestigious position, a milestone that underscores both her exceptional expertise and Namibia’s growing influence in African aviation.

For Ms. Sem, the appointment is more than a professional achievement; it is a deeply personal honour. “This role reflects the growing recognition of Namibia’s contributions to African civil aviation,” she shares. “It’s a moment of immense pride and responsibility, as it provides an opportunity to inspire not only Namibians but the entire African continent to aspire to leadership in this dynamic sector.”

The recognition comes at a time when the NCAA is making remarkable strides. The authority’s dedication to aviation excellence has been evident in its recent nomination as a contender for Best African CAA at Aviation Week Africa and its strong performance, obtaining 72.3% in the recent ICAO USOAP audit. These accomplishments, according to Ms. Sem, highlight Namibia’s commitment to raising safety, security, and operational standards in aviation.

As Vice President of the AFCAC Bureau, Ms. Sem has ambitious plans to strengthen the Southern Region’s aviation framework. Her priorities include fostering regional collaboration for safer, more efficient, and sustainable aviation systems. “Strengthening regulatory frameworks and enhancing aviation infrastructure are essential steps,” she explains. “Additionally, investing in training programs to address skills shortages will cultivate the next generation of aviation professionals.”

Sem also envisions Namibia playing a pivotal role in advancing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), an initiative designed to enhance connectivity across the continent. “Namibia’s commitment to the Yamoussoukro Decision positions us as a model for regional and continental air transport,” she asserts. “Strategic investments in infrastructure and human capital development will solidify our standing in the industry.”

Despite the optimism, the road ahead is not without challenges. Southern Africa’s aviation sector faces issues such as infrastructure limitations, fragmented regulatory frameworks, and funding constraints – all exacerbated by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing these hurdles, Ms. Sem aims to promote harmonised policies across the region, foster partnerships for infrastructure development, and advocate for the consistent application of ICAO safety standards.

“We must also focus on attracting, training, and retaining skilled professionals,” she emphasises, citing scholarships, internships, and secondments as key strategies to build a robust talent pipeline.

Sem’s groundbreaking appointment is a powerful testament to Namibia’s rising influence in African aviation. It sends an inspiring message to aspiring aviation professionals: “With hard work, determination, and vision, leadership roles that shape the future of African aviation are within reach,” she affirms. “This milestone shows that even talent from smaller nations like Namibia can make a significant global impact.”

As she embarks on this new journey, Ms. Sem’s leadership promises to chart a transformative path for southern Africa and beyond, ensuring a brighter, more connected future for African aviation.