The African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) has introduced a renewed African business aviation strategy at EBACE 2025 under a refreshed leadership team. Chairperson Dawit Lemma and Vice Chair Craig Middleton now spearhead the organization’s mission to reposition AfBAA as the continent’s unified aviation voice.
With its broad membership and representation across 40 civil aviation authorities, AfBAA plans to realign its vision. The strategy includes momentum-building efforts aimed at increasing visibility and reinforcing credibility both across Africa and globally.
Chairperson Dawit Lemma stated that the focus would begin with listening to members and advocating for their most pressing concerns. “We know that our members rely on us to lobby on their behalf, identify common issues that need resolving, and act as a single voice with regulators, industry, and international organizations, so identifying the main concerns and creating strategy to resolve them is top of our list,” he explained.
To guide this shift, a governance committee operated by a professional secretariat will be created. This body will help define efficient processes and establish a focused ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) policy framework. Strengthening communication channels between AfBAA and its stakeholders also ranks high on the priority list.
“We want to encourage them to join the association so we can help support their diverse needs,” Lemma added, referencing new members such as general aviation operators, farmers, miners, medevac operators, and remote construction services. These sectors often rely on business aviation but have not been formally engaged.
AfBAA also intends to welcome professionals from emerging segments, including advanced air mobility, drone services, and remotely piloted aerial systems. Africa’s diverse terrain and operational demands make it ideal as a proving ground for next-generation aviation innovations.
Vice Chair Craig Middleton emphasized the need for enhanced outreach. “AfBAA has been relatively quiet on this front, and we want to build momentum again by raising the profile, adding new AfBAA events, and showcasing the benefits of doing business with African aviation companies,” he said.
A key element of this renewed African business aviation strategy includes the formation of regional chapters. North, South, East, and West African hubs will allow for local engagement, tailored benefits, and improved accessibility for operators across various regions.
“We are a huge continent, and with these cardinal chapters, we can learn, share, and evolve business aviation together as we meet these differing regions’ needs,” Middleton added.
Alongside structural and regional growth, AfBAA’s committees will expand. These will cover critical areas like safety management, training, infrastructure development, and talent attraction. These aspects are considered foundational for the sector’s long-term success.
Lemma and Middleton bring extensive experience from both within AfBAA and broader aviation operations across the continent. Since 2012, both have served on various AfBAA committees and cultivated deep familiarity with its membership and organizational needs.
Their combined operational experience, knowledge, and networking strength offer a solid base for executing the new agenda. This renewed leadership aims to position AfBAA as a modern, proactive force within the aviation industry.
“We have identified these priorities as critical for the association’s future growth and are looking forward to actioning them with our board. We are both committed to supporting AfBAA’s guiding principle of presenting a united voice of African business aviation within the continent and beyond to enhance the sector potential, highlight the opportunities, and raise industry standards for operations across the continent,” Lemma concluded.
The announcement at EBACE 2025 signals a turning point. AfBAA’s strategic overhaul is expected to solidify its leadership role in shaping the future of aviation across Africa.
