Friendly Skies over Africa

Africa would benefit from comprehensive United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) leadership in international and interagency efforts to improve air traffic safety focused on a single continent-wide system. Wide ranging national interests, priorities, and economic capabilities are visible in systems across the continent. As a result, while air traffic systems in some nations are fully on par with North America and Europe, others are virtually non-existent. Unfortunately, overall safety is only as effective as the weakest national system traversed. Both international and US government organizations are currently engaged to improve safety and efficiency across the continent, but disjointed efforts have hampered overall effectiveness. Synchronizing Department of Defense (DoD), interagency, and international organization support fall well within USAFRICOM's unique mission responsibility. By better integrating efforts, USAFRICOM can create a comprehensive air traffic system fostering international transportation, economic growth, and stability benefiting air transportation Africa-wide.