The European Union is investing EUR 10 million over 5 years to support a safe, sustainable, better-connected air transport within Africa and between Africa and the European Union.
The project, “EU Support to the Aviation Sector in Africa (EU‑SASA)”, is financed under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe (NDICI – Global Europe) and implemented by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), in close partnership with African institutions and industry.
Overall goal and specific objectives
EU-SASA aims to improve safe, sustainable and better-connected air transport within Africa and between Africa and the EU. By strengthening aviation systems, regulatory frameworks and institutional cooperation, the project contributes to economic integration, trade, tourism and sustainable development.
To achieve this goal, the project focuses on four specific objectives:
- Promote a safe, sustainable and integrated African aviation market, including support to the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and other regional initiatives.
- Strengthen the regulatory and institutional frameworks in line with international rules, standards and best practices in aviation safety, environment, climate and new technologies.
- Build institutional and technical capacity through training, technical assistance and knowledge sharing, while supporting climate-resilient and future-proof aviation systems.
- Enhance cooperation and deepen exchanges between African and EU aviation stakeholders, aviation authorities, organisations and communities to promote a strong continent‑to‑continent partnership.
Through this long-term partnership, EU-SASA contributes to a safer, more sustainable and better-connected aviation sector across Africa.
Methodology
EU-SASA supports African priorities and builds on existing regional initiatives rather than creating parallel structures. African ownership, partnership and long-term sustainability are the guiding principles of the project.
These principles are reflected in its implementation through:
- Close dialogue, co‑creation and validation with African partners.
- Respect for African political leadership and regional diversity.
- Strong engagement with continental and regional institutions, including the African Union Commission (AUC), Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), and Regional Safety Oversight Organisations (RSOOs)Regional Accident Investigation Organisation (RAIO).
- Recognition that effective safety oversight is a prerequisite for sustainable market liberalisation and improved air connectivity.
EU-SASA builds on the achievements of the EU-Africa Safety in Aviation (EU-ASA) and OPER-SAATM programmes, complements other relevant European Union initiatives and contributes to ICAO's AFI Regional Aviation Safety Plan (AFI-RASP).
Main thematic areas
- Aviation Safety
- Air Transport Market Integration
- Environment and Climate
- Digitalisation and Emerging Technologies
- Capacity Building and Human Capital
- Regional Cooperation and Institutional Development
Main implementation tools
Activities are selected according to project priorities and stakeholders needs. Depending on the topic, support may include:
- Technical assistance
- Training programmes
- Regional workshops and conferences
- Peer-to-peer exchanges
- Studies and assessments
- Knowledge sharing
- Policy dialogue
- Expert missions
Target groups, locations and duration
EU-SASA brings together African and European aviation stakeholders, including public authorities, regional organisations, airlines, airports, manufacturers, training organisations, maintenance organisations, air navigation service providers and international partners. Activities are tailored to the needs of beneficiaries at continental, regional and national levels.
Most activities will take place in Africa, and to a lesser extent in Europe. The project team will determine activity locations based on African and EU interests, activity objectives, access to appropriate facilities, logistical considerations and visibility requirements.