PRAIA, Cabo Verde, Oct. 27, 2026 – Boeing [NYSE: BA], Cranfield University, the Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Organization (BAGASOO) and the Civil Aviation Agency of Cabo Verde (AAC) are hosting a regulatory excellence workshop in Praia this week.
Twenty-four professionals from civil aviation authorities and airlines across West Africa are taking part in interactive sessions to strengthen aviation safety collaboration in the region.
“This workshop demonstrates how open dialogue can strengthen regulatory capabilities across borders and support a more harmonized aviation ecosystem in West Africa,” said Kayode Ariwodola, Boeing safety and regulatory partnerships director for Africa, the Middle East, Türkiye, Central Asia and Europe. “The workshop is a great example of the vital work civil aviation authorities do to build professional communities that bring industry and government together in support of safe, efficient growth in air traffic”.
“As technology and operations evolve, civil aviation authorities must enhance institutional capacity and foster knowledge sharing to maintain up-to-date regulatory systems and address emerging risks,” said Jailza Soraya Rodrigues Silva, executive director of BAGASOO. “This workshop, conducted in partnership with Boeing and Cranfield University, translates these priorities into actionable learning that strengthens the capacity of our Member States to sustain effective safety oversight.”
Subject matter experts from Cranfield University and Boeing are delivering the five-day program. Sessions cover regulatory standards, safety management systems (SMS), accident investigation, emergency response, disruption management, introduction of new aircraft systems, and operational and specific approvals. Participants will also discuss effective stakeholder engagement, safety culture, leadership and change management.
The workshop’s format encourages peer exchange and strengthens connections across West Africa’s aviation community.
The Cabo Verde workshop builds on ongoing industry collaboration across Africa to strengthen aviation safety. In 2025, Boeing and Cranfield University joined the East African Community Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency and the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority to host a regulatory excellence workshop for East African civil aviation authorities.
The workshops draw on the proven expertise of Cranfield University and Boeing Global Learning Institute which provides learning and talent development opportunities to Boeing operators worldwide. Boeing partners with African carriers and regulators on tailored training programs in safety, airline economics, leadership and more. Such collaborations are increasingly important as Africa’s fleet is expected to more than double over the next 20 years, according to Boeing Commercial Market Outlook.
