Representing women in aviation across the continent, the African Section 99s engaged in critical discussions at the 6th Aviation Africa Summit & Exhibition. Joining industry leaders to shape the future of African aviation, held under the theme “Africa’s New Dawn: Aviation’s Resilience, Recovery and Growth in a Post-COVID Era”. Taking place after the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on the global aviation industry, the event marked an important return to in-person engagement, providing a valuable opportunity to reconnect, share experiences, and rebuild partnerships across the sector.
Governor Ivana Alvares-Marshall and Captain Irene Koki Mutungi, Deputy Chief Pilot of Kenya Airways and member of the African Ninety-Nines, represented the African Section 99s as panellists in the session “How Can Africa Find the Right People to Give the Industry a Long-Term Future?”. Discussions focused on diversity in recruitment, positioning aviation as an achievable career, the development of in-country training, and the need for continued government support for education. The panel also examined how realistic these ambitions are and the progress made to date.
The African Section 99s hosted a dedicated exhibition stand, raising awareness of The Ninety-Nines and promoting STEM initiatives, mentorship, and outreach programmes aimed at inspiring young people particularly girls, to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace across Africa.
