Programme of Activities
“Empower – Inspire – Innovate for the Future of African Aviation”
AFRAA, in collaboration with TAAG Angola Airlines, incorporated the Youth Development in Aviation Outreach Initiative as part of the AFRAA AGA 57 lineup of activities. Various activities were staged during and after the 57th AFRAA Annual General Assembly in Luanda, Angola, as part of the industry’s collective effort to empower, motivate, and attract African youth into aviation careers.
During the conference sessions on Monday, University students had the opportunity to join the conference sessions and get industry exposure as well as network with industry professionals. TAAG Angola Airlines Team held workshops for the university students at the AGA.
Objectives of the initiative was as follows:
- To inspire and motivate youth to pursue education and careers in aviation and aerospace.
- To raise awareness of the diverse career pathways in aviation—from engineering, piloting, and airport operations to AI, sustainability, and data analytics.
- To connect students with mentors and role models from across the African aviation industry.
- To contribute to AFRAA’s strategic focus on building capacity and ensuring the sustainability of the aviation workforce in Africa.
03 Dec student outreach event
AFRAA and TAAG Angola Airlines held a 1-day outreach event for high school students from Instituto Médio Industrial de Luanda and Colégio Elizângela Filomena. The event was held under the Theme: “Empower – Inspire – Innovate for the Future of African Aviation”
A fireside chat session gave the students an opportunity to interact with the industry professionals and gather views on industry trends and ideas on careers in aviation. the speakers during the fireside chat shared their experiences, facts and figures on aviation, their educational journey, what is takes to get qualified for their roles, the role they play in airline operations, their day-to-day experiences in a bid to inspire and motivate the students into aviation careers. The following speakers interacted with the students:
- Edgar Quessongo, HR Director – National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC)
- Maureen Kahonge, Senior Manager Business Development & Communications – AFRAA
- Bernarda Henriques, Chairman – National Air Navigation Company (ENNA)
- João Pó Jorge, Former CEO of LAM Mozambique Airlines
- Neide Teixeira, Chief Legal and RH Officer – TAAG Angola Airlines
- Monica Cristino, Board Member – TAAG Angola Airlines
- Captain Alexandra Lima, Captain 777/787 – TAAG Angola Airlines
Following the fireside chat and motivational talks, the students had an opportunity to visit the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport in Luanda – Angola to cap their day’s experience.