Dar es Salaam. The Director General of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), Mr Salim Msangi, has called upon aviation stakeholders to intensify preparations for the forthcoming International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA) audit, scheduled for April8 to 21 2026.
Speaking at a high-level preparatory meeting on July 14, 2025 at TCAA Headquarters in Dar es Salaam, Mr Msangi said the audit is a mandatory exercise and an invaluable opportunity to reaffirm Tanzania’s robust capability in overseeing its aviation industry and effectively implementing the Eight Critical Elements of the safety oversight system.
“As a contracting state to ICAO, this audit is not optional. It is a sovereign obligation,” said Mr Msangi.
“More importantly, it serves as a platform for us to showcase the progress and maturity of our aviation safety oversight system.”
Audit scope and national objectives
Mr Msangi reminded stakeholders that while Tanzania has undergone similar audits previously – with the last one conducted in 2017 – the upcoming assessment will be a full-scope audit, encompassing all areas pertinent to aviation safety oversight.
He highlighted Tanzania’s past performance, noting that in the past, Tanzania prided itself on exceeding the global average.
“In 2017, we scored 67.3 percent, whereas the global average at that time was 60 percent. However, the latest figures indicate that the global average has now risen to 75 percent. Our national goal is to surpass 85 percent, and achieving this necessitates enhanced collaboration and serious commitment from all parties involved,” he noted.
Urgency of preparation
Despite the audit being scheduled for April 2026, Mr Msangi stressed the critical need for immediate action, emphasising that the timeline is, in reality, very tight.
“April 2026 may appear distant, but in terms of audit readiness, it is very near. We must start acting now,” he said.
He further reminded stakeholders that a successful audit outcome not only benefits the regulator but also positively reflects on the entire aviation sector.
“A good score for the State translates into a good score for the operators as well. It fosters confidence and trust in our system – from international partners to passengers and investors alike,” he noted.
Critical elements and areas of focus
The USOAP-CMA audit evaluates a country’s capability to implement effective safety oversight based on eight critical elements of the safety oversight system.
The areas slated for audit include legislation, organization, personnel licensing, aircraft operations, aircraft airworthiness, accident investigation, air navigation services, aerodromes and ground aids, and the State Safety Programme.
The preparatory meeting convened high-level representatives from airlines, airports, approved training organisations, air navigation service providers, and other key aviation stakeholders, all of whom are expected to play a crucial role in Tanzania’s comprehensive preparations for the audit.
