(KIGALI, RWANDA) – The South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA) has taken steps to strengthen its international partnerships following a series of high level meetings at the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition, held from 4 to 5 September 2025 in Rwanda.
The summit brought together civil aviation leaders, regulators and industry stakeholders from across Africa. South Sudan used the event to build strategic alliances aimed at modernising its aviation sector, improving safety standards and regaining control of its national airspace.
At the event, SSCAA met with the Civil Aviation Authority of Qatar, where discussions focused on cooperation in training, grants and the hosting of South Sudanese aviation officials for future bilateral agreements. In return, SSCAA pledged support for Qatar in the upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) General Assembly vote.
South Sudanese officials also held meetings with their counterparts from the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA). Talks between Hon. John Woja Elinana of SSCAA and Hon. Silas Udahemuka of RCAA resulted in Rwanda offering capacity building support. This includes technical assistance for ICAO audit readiness, airspace management and possible collaboration with the Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA). The objective is to help South Sudan build the systems required to assume full control of its airspace, which is currently managed externally.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) also confirmed plans to send a technical team to South Sudan. The team will provide regulatory training and stressed the importance of ensuring that all aviation operators and ground handlers are properly registered and compliant within agreed timelines.
NAVPASS, a global air traffic solutions company, committed to supporting South Sudan through project identification and reinvestment initiatives. The company also pledged to play a role in the country’s ongoing efforts to regain full management of its airspace.
The agreements secured at the Kigali summit represent a significant step forward for South Sudan’s aviation industry, which is seeking to strengthen regulation, enhance safety and expand capacity in line with international standards.
For South Sudan, where air transport remains critical for business, trade and humanitarian access, these partnerships are expected to support wider economic growth.
SSCAA Engages Global Partners: Commitments Secured at Aviation Africa Summit 2025
| Partner | Support Offered | Expected Benefit for South Sudan |
|---|---|---|
| Qatar Civil Aviation Authority | Training, grants, bilateral agreements | Capacity development, financial support |
| Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority | ICAO audit readiness, airspace management, ASECNA collaboration | Airspace recovery, technical expertise |
| IATA | Regulatory training, operator registration oversight | Safety and compliance |
| NAVPASS | Project identification, reinvestment, airspace recovery | Infrastructure modernisation, autonomy in airspace management |
A statement from the aviation authority’s online platforms noted that if these commitments are implemented effectively, South Sudan will be better positioned to reform its aviation sector, attract investment and improve regional connectivity.
