The Nigerian-South African Aviation Forum has announced plans to partner with the South African Consulate on an exchange programme aimed at developing talented African youth in the aviation sector.

The founder of the Nigerian-South African Aviation Forum, Toni Ukachukwu, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

According to him, the pilot exchange programme, set to be inaugurated soon, marks the forum’s first major step toward boosting capacity and career opportunities for African youth in aviation.

“In a landmark meeting held in Lagos, the South African Consulate General, led by Dr Bobby Moroe, expressed support for launching the Nigeria-South Africa Aviation Exchange Programme.

“This strategic initiative is designed to build capacity, develop careers, and strengthen collaboration in Africa’s aviation sector.

“The programme will be executed by Aviators Management Academy and backed by Walk for Love Africa, an NGO focused on capacity building and socioeconomic development in travel and tourism,” he said.

Mr Ukachukwu explained that the programme would train and certify young Africans in aviation, starting with intensive online training followed by a seven-week in-person course at the Academy of Aviation in South Africa.

“Upon successful completion, candidates will receive a South African cabin crew license.

“Returning to Nigeria, participants will fulfill local requirements to obtain a Nigerian aviation license, gaining dual certification and broader career prospects.

“They will also be offered automatic engagement opportunities with various Nigerian airlines to kick-start their aviation careers,” he added.

He emphasised that the initiative was about more than just training cabin crew; it aimed to unlock Africa’s aviation potential by investing in its people.

According to him, there is a growing skills gap across Africa’s aviation sector, and this initiative is a direct response.

“We are building bridges, breaking barriers, and preparing the next generation of African aviators.

“Designed as a fully digital-first programme, it begins with online training and virtual assessments to leverage aviation technology and overcome infrastructural and geographical challenges, promoting digital transformation in the sector.

“The exchange programme will be launched in partnership with the Civil Aviation Authorities of Nigeria and South Africa and aims to promote greater inter-African cooperation, travel, and tourism by addressing the continent’s critical aviation skills gap.

“As part of its long-term vision, Walk for Love Africa is establishing a capital fund to support aspiring aviation professionals with seed funding and scholarships.

“Global aviation forecasts show Africa will need more than 20,000 pilots, technicians, and cabin crew members in the next decade. This initiative is poised to help meet that demand,” Mr Ukachukwu said.

Mr Ukachukwu said he was also in discussions with the African Airlines Association on a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create job opportunities.

“The goal is to establish a pan-African framework allowing aviation professionals trained through the programme to work across African airlines, fostering integration, mobility, and collaboration.

“Following the Nigeria-South Africa pilot, the programme will expand to other African countries, forming bilateral aviation forums to strengthen intra-African travel, trade, and training.

“These forums aim to foster unity, drive economic development, and equip African youth to thrive in a rapidly evolving global aviation industry,” Mr Ukachukwu said.

He called on governments, private sector players, development partners, and airlines to support the bold initiative by investing in the people who power Africa’s skies.

He said that the partnership signaled a significant step toward a connected Africa, where aviation served as a bridge between nations and a tool for opportunity, innovation, and shared prosperity.

 (NAN)