The African Section of the Ninety-Nines International Organisation of Women Pilots is committed to inspiring the next generation through our international youth outreach programmes across the African continent.
Our goal is to raise awareness not only about the Ninety-Nines International Women Pilots Organisation and the incredible legacy of women pilots worldwide, but also about the wide and diverse world of aviation. Aviation is not just about being a pilot, it encompasses engineering, air traffic control, safety management, maintenance, flight operations, and countless other roles that keep the skies moving safely every day.
Through collaboration with governments, aviation authorities, airlines, and industry organisations, we create opportunities for young people, especially girls, to explore the exciting careers that aviation offers. These programmes encourage curiosity, build confidence, and promote the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education as a foundation for future success.
We believe that when African girls are given the chance to see what is possible, they not only dream higher, they fly higher.
“We are not just inspiring future pilots; we are shaping future leaders who will take Africa’s aviation to new heights.”
Aviation Africa Summit & Exhibition Kigali Rwanda 2025
Collaborating to Unlock Africa’s Growth: Inspiring Rwanda’s Future Aviators
In August 2025, the African Section of the Ninety-Nines International Organisation of Women Pilots proudly partnered with Aviation Africa Summit & Exhibition, Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA), RwandAir Ltd, Akagera Aviation Ltd, Airbus, and GroundTime to deliver an unforgettable Youth Outreach Programme in Kigali, Rwanda.
This initiative formed part of our ongoing mission to raise awareness about aviation careers and inspire young African girls to pursue opportunities across the industry, not only as pilots, but in the many diverse and dynamic fields that aviation offers, from engineering and maintenance to flight operations, air traffic control, and airport management.
Fifty bright young female students were given the unique opportunity to explore the world of aviation first-hand. Their day began with a guided tour of Kigali International Airport, tracing every step of a passenger’s journey, from check-in and immigration, through duty-free and the departure gates, to the aircraft itself.
They then visited RwandAir’s Airbus A330-200, where RwandAir engineers explained the aircraft’s systems and operations. The excitement was palpable as the students stood under the giant engines and asked curious, intelligent questions about how aircraft fly and what it takes to work in aviation.
The next stop was Akagera Aviation, where the students were introduced to general and rotary aviation, seeing Diamond aircraft, the Robinson R44, and Agusta 139 helicopters up close. For many, it was the first time they had ever stood beside an aircraft, an emotional and inspiring moment that sparked dreams of what could one day be.
In the afternoon, the students participated in two engaging discussion panels, an Executive Panel and a Female Pilot Panel, designed to give them insight into the business, leadership, and human sides of aviation.
The Executive Panel, moderated by Ivana Alvares-Marshall, Governor of the African Section 99s, featured:
Ms Yvonne Makolo, CEO of RwandAir
Mr Mark Brown, CEO of African Aerospace Magazine & Managing Director, Aviation Africa
Ms Dina Dawod, Vice Governor, African Section 99s
Mr Timo Eckardt from Airbus delivered a powerful presentation titled “Look Up”, inspiring the students to aim higher and believe that the sky truly is not the limit.
The Female Pilot Panel brought together inspiring aviators, including Captain Esther Mbabazi, Rwanda’s first female pilot, and RwandAir and Air Force pilots who shared their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. The girls asked thoughtful, thought-provoking questions, a testament to their curiosity and growing confidence.
Day 1 of the Aviation Africa Conference was one to remember. The fifty young future aviators attended the opening ceremony proudly wearing their pilot uniforms, a powerful symbol of visibility and aspiration.
A truly unforgettable highlight was when His Excellency President of Rwanda Paul Kagame met the girls and joined them for a group photo alongside RwandAir’s female pilots. That single image captured the spirit of the entire initiative, collaboration, empowerment, and belief in Africa’s youth.
The African Section 99s extends its deepest appreciation to:
Mr Silas Udahemuka, Director General, Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority
Ms Yvonne Makolo, CEO, RwandAir
Mr Mark Brown, CEO, African Aerospace Magazine & Managing Director, Aviation Africa
We also thank Mr Timo Eckardt (Airbus), Joseph (Director) and Mr Patrick Nkulikiyimfura, Managing Director of Akagera Aviation, for their generous support and participation.
A special thank you to the RwandAir female pilots who volunteered their time to engage with the students, their stories and encouragement made a lasting impact.
And finally, a heartfelt note of gratitude to His Excellency President Paul Kagame of Rwanda for his unwavering support of girls in aviation and his commitment to empowering Africa’s youth. Your leadership sets an inspiring example for the continent.
AFRAA 56th General Assembly Egypt Cairo 2024
Empowering Africa’s Next Generation of Aviators
In an inspiring initiative to nurture Africa’s future aviation professionals, a Youth Programme was launched as a collaborative effort between AFRAA, the African Section of the Ninety-Nines, EgyptAir, and the Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation. This event, held in Cairo, brought together 50 young girls for an immersive experience designed to spark their interest in aviation and showcase the dynamic opportunities within the industry.
The first part of the programme for the day took place at EgyptAir’s headquarters, where participants were introduced to the airline’s remarkable history and technical expertise.
The day began with a guided tour of the EgyptAir Museum, led by Mr Mahmoud Moaez. Here, the participants learned about the airline’s legacy, exploring exhibits that chronicle its journey from inception to its present-day operations.
This was followed by a visit to the Engine Overhaul Complex at EgyptAir Maintenance & Engineering. Under the guidance of expert engineers, the participants witnessed the intricate processes involved in maintaining and overhauling aircraft engines, offering them an up-close view of one of aviation’s most critical aspects.
The second part of the day brought the participants to the Egyptian Aviation Academy, where they delved into the technical and operational facets of aviation.
The day’s highlights included a session on aviation simulators, led by the Aviation Simulator Department. Here, the young participants experienced what it feels like to control an aircraft in a highly realistic simulator environment.
In addition, they attended informative speeches and presentations by Dina Dawod from the African Section of the Ninety-Nines and Maureen Khaonge from AFRAA, who shared insights on careers in aviation and the importance of diversity in the field.
Further activities included a session on first aid conducted by the Emergency Training Department and a visit to the Cabin Crew Emergency Training Facility, where the participants explored the critical duties and emergency protocols handled by cabin crew members.
This impactful event would not have been possible without the generous support of:
Minister Sameh Elhefny
Eng. Yahia Zakaria, Chairman and CEO of EgyptAir Holding
AFRAA Secretary General Abderahmane Berthé
Maureen Khaonge from AFRAA
Special thanks also go to Dina Dawod of the African Section of the Ninety-Nines for her exceptional organisational efforts in coordinating the event, including meals and transport for the participants.
As Africa’s aviation industry is poised for significant growth, youth outreach programmes like this play a pivotal role in addressing the impending skills gap. By 2030, the sector is expected to face a shortfall of skilled professionals across various aviation disciplines. Initiatives like this one ignite a passion for aviation in young minds, providing them with a clearer pathway to careers in the industry.
This event not only showcased the possibilities within aviation but also reaffirmed the importance of collaboration in nurturing the next generation of African aviation leaders. The Youth Programme stands as a testament to what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared vision: empowering the youth and securing the future of aviation.
With the success of this event, plans are already underway for similar programmes to continue inspiring Africa’s youth. By investing in today’s young minds, we are ensuring a thriving aviation sector for tomorrow.
For the 50 young participants who walked away with new skills, insights, and dreams, the sky is no longer the limit, it is just the beginning.
Aviation Africa Summit & Exhibition Sandton City South Africa 2024
Bridging Skies and Leveraging Growth
The Aviation AFRICA Summit & Exhibition 2024 truly lived up to its theme, Bridging Skies and Leveraging Growth, by bringing together leaders, innovators, and organisations dedicated to advancing aviation across the continent. Among them, the African Section Ninety-Nines proudly showcased how empowerment and education can drive long-term industry growth.
Our participation began with a meaningful outreach event, Girls in Aviation Day, held at the South African Airways Museum at Rand Airport. We were privileged to host 30 girls from Aurora High School in Zola, Soweto, introducing them to the fascinating world of aviation and the many opportunities it offers.
Through aircraft tours and insightful talks by pilots Dina Dawod, Merilyn Subermoney, and Ivana Alvares-Marshall, the girls gained a first-hand understanding of aviation careers. Judy, a former SAA aeronautical engineer, captivated the group with her technical expertise and passion for the industry.
Each participant received a thoughtful gift and enjoyed a KFC meal, creating a memorable and uplifting experience. We extend heartfelt thanks to all African Section 99s members whose sponsorships made this possible.
Special recognition goes to our member Anele Nala, who coordinated logistics at short notice and whose own journey was shaped by a similar outreach event at the same museum in 2007. Her story perfectly embodies the conference’s theme: building bridges across generations and leveraging inspiration to fuel growth.
As we continue to nurture the dreams of future aviators, the African Section 99s remains committed to connecting communities, empowering women, and strengthening Africa’s aviation future, one inspired young mind at a time.