The Council

Tendani Ndou is a seasoned executive with expertise in various fields, including aviation training management, risk management, security, audit and compliance, financial management and corporate governance. With her background in aviation and governance, Tendani is a respected figure in her field, contributing significantly to the development of aviation professionals and the industry. Tendani holds an MBA from Georgetown (USA)/ ESADE (Spain), a BCom Honours in Cost Management Accounting from the University of Venda (RSA), and a Certificate of Internal Auditors from the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) qualifications. She has served in various Senior Management positions at Air Traffic & Navigation Services (ATNS) as Executive Risk & Compliance, Acting Executive Commercial Services and Acting Human Capital Executive; General Manager Internal Audit at City Power; Head of Internal Audit and Risk Management at South African Local Government Association (SALGA), General Audit Manager at the Legal Aid Board of South Africa, Cluster Audit Manager at the Limpopo Provincial Internal Audit as well as a team leader at the Office of the Auditor General. She has served as a member of several Audit and Risk Committees and as the Audit and Risk Committee Chairperson for the South African Nursing Council. She has served as the Vice President and is the current President of the Council of the Association of African Aviation Training Organisations (AATO). Currently serving as the Chief of the ATNS Aviation Training Academy, Tendani is an ardent advocate of the development of the next generation of aviation professional, specifically women in aviation. To this effect, she has participated in various platforms, that serves this similar agenda.

She has a blend of experiences from Air Navigation Services operations, maintenance, project management, and aviation training. Margareth Kyarwenda attained a Full Technician Certificate in Electronics and Telecommunication in 1981. She then graduated with a BSc in Computer Systems & IT and later received a Master of Business Administration. She is a certified aeronautical engineer, ICAO Course Developer, and Instructor. She was also the president of the Tanzania Air Traffic Electronics Safety Association. She actively participated in the establishment of AATO, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and coordinated the development of the African Aviation Training Roadmap. This training and capacity-building roadmap is a strategic document aimed at outlining the human resource requirements for states to achieve their national objectives and to address performance issues identified through gap analysis. Margareth Kyarwenda is currently serving a second term as the AATO Secretary General.

Civil Aviation Engineer with approximately thirty years of experience, including 26 in the civil aviation field. Since August 2007, he has held several senior management positions covering all annexes of the Chicago Convention: • Head of EAMAC (African School of Meteorology and Civil Aviation, based in Niamey –NIGER Republic), • Head of the ERNAM (Region School of Air Navigation and Management), • ASECNA Representative to the Union of the Comoros, • Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Mali, • Director of Aviation Safety at the CAA of Mali, • and Director of Control, Safety, and Security at the CAA of Mali. He holds the qualifications of Civil Aviation Inspector, Certified ISM Instructor (SSP/SMS) under the ICAO ACIP project, and Aircraft Accident Investigator. Mr BA Oumar Mamadou holds a Diploma in Civil Aviation Engineering and Operations - Air Navigation Option from the African School of Meteorology and Civil Aviation (IEEAC/NA-EAMAC) – Niamey, Niger Republic. Before that, he obtained a Diploma in Industrial Engineering - Option Energy from the National School of Engineers (ENI) - Bamako, Mali. He holds many qualifications among others: • ICAO-ISM Instructor Qualification (Integrated Safety Management System SSP/SMS) in Bamako, Mali. • FAA OPERATIONS Inspector Qualification for airline certification at EASA (EAST AFRICAN SCHOOL OF AVIATION) in Nairobi, Kenya. • FAA Airworthiness Inspector Qualification for the certification of maintenance organizations and maintenance of air operators at the Transportation Safety Institute (TSI) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA. • FAA OPERATIONS Inspector Qualification for airline certification at EASA (EAST AFRICAN SCHOOL OF AVIATION) in Nairobi, Kenya. • May 2005: FAA Airworthiness Inspector Qualification for the certification of maintenance organizations and maintenance of air operators at the Transportation Safety Institute (TSI) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA. Mr BA speaks French, English, Fulani, and Bambara. He likes Sports and Reading.

Aviation English Instructor and the manager of the Language Lab at the African school of meteorology and civil aviation (EAMAC), he is the Focal point and alternate council member of the Association of the African Aviation Training Organisation (AATO) he joined in 2014. He joined the aviation industry in 2002 as an Air Traffic Controller in the Agency for the Safety of the Air Navigation in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA). Aviation English Language Rater and Coordinator of the ASECNA autonomous English Language Test design and administration team (ECGAT) from 2014 to date, Mr KAMATE plays an important role in the ASECNA Workers’ English language training (ab initio and in service). He is a PhD student in Applied Linguistics, holds a Master’s degree in marketing and communication and another Master’s degree in human resources management both from the International Institute of Management of Niamey (Niger), a Master in English from the University of Bamako (Mali), and an associate Air Traffic Controller’s Degree from EAMAC. Besides, he holds a Certificate in Management of Strategic Change in Aviation(MSCA), certificates in the Aviation and General English fields (TESOL & TEYLT, FAA 15005 Course for Aviation English Instructors’ Certificate, ICAO Language Proficiency Test Design and Rater) as well as ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS TDC, TIC, CAA Approval of ATO certificates. Mr. KAMATE has played the role of Master of Ceremony in many aviation events organised by ICAO, CANSO, ASECNA and AATO. He is a contributor to the AVIATION ALLIED BUSINESS JOURNAL. He likes Playing music, writing songs and watching sport events.

Dr. Serah Waitiki is the Director of the East African School of Aviation (EASA), the training directorate of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and an ICAO training Centre of Excellence - Platinum. She has held this position since 1st February 2024 having discharged the duties of that office in an acting capacity from May 2023 to January 2024. She provides leadership to EASA in developing and implementing training solutions for the aviation industry in Kenya and the AFI region, through strategic partnerships with ICAO, IATA, AFCAC and other aviation stakeholders. Before her appointment as the director, Dr. Waitiki was the registrar of Academic Affairs at EASA, a position she held from May 2013 to January 2024. She coordinated the development and implementation of academic programmes, led curriculum development, training delivery and ensured regulatory compliance. Dr. Waitiki is a council member of the Association of African Aviation Training Organizations (AATO) and currently chairs the training committee in the council. Before entering the aviation space, she taught in different universities in Kenya and Germany for nineteen years. She holds a Ph.D in Linguistics from Chemnitz University of Technology, Germany, a Master of Philosophy in English Language and communication, Moi University, Kenya. She is a fellow of the Higher Education Academy of the UK (FHEA); has a post graduate certificate in Academic Practice from York St. John Univeristy. She also holds a Diploma in Civil Aviation Management among other qualifications and certifications. A strong advocate for youth empowerment and gender inclusivity, Dr. Waitiki is committed to nurturing the next generation of aviation professionals while positioning EASA as a leading contributor to AATO’s mission and Africa’s aviation development.

Rodney ‘s experience in the Aviation Environment exceeds three decades. His career in aviation started in with South African Airways as a Senior Avionics Engineer and a Senior Aeronautical Instructor. Rodney has more than a decade experience, training avionic systems Boeing and Airbus aircraft types. After spending 15 years with the national carrier, he ventured into retail, serving in the capacity of Learning and Development manager in South Africa’s largest clothing retailer, before returning to aviation- with ATNS. Rodney has served on ICAO’s Training Expert Work group, constituted to spearhead harmonization of training initiatives on the continent- in the interests of safety. To this end, he was instrumental in defining the framework for Aviation Training Centers of Excellence and in the formation of the Association of African Aviation Training Organisations (AATO). Having served on the inaugural council, he currently serves on the council as a technical committee expert . Rodney served in senior management roles within Human capital and Training , at Air Traffic Navigation services (ATNS). Currently based in Johannesburg, South Africa, his current role is Head of Learning and Development at the ATNS Aviation Training Academy – an ICAO TRAINAIR Plus Platinum member and leading provider of aviation training on the continent. His expertise include Training model and strategy development, Training Research and Design, Quality Management Systems , Academy Accreditation, Customer Service Excellence, to name a few. Rodney holds an MBA from the university of Stellenbosch (South Africa ), is a Qualified ICAO TRANAIR Plus Senior Instructor and currently serves as a guest lecturer for the Davinci Institute of Technology (based in South Africa ).

Mr. Fred K. Bamwesigye is an accomplished Aviation Management Specialist with over 16 years of progressive experience in Civil Aviation Management, Corporate Leadership, and Human Resource Development. He currently serves as the Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), where he has led transformative initiatives in aviation safety, regulatory reform, and organizational development. A strong advocate for capacity building, Mr. Bamwesigye has championed aviation training, succession planning, and implementation of international aviation standards across Uganda's aviation sector. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the Authority through major milestones, including ICAO audits and steering the Authority through COVID-19. Mr. Bamwesigye holds a Master of Arts in Development Studies from The Hague, a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University, and numerous certifications in Aviation Management, Policy, and Regulation from global institutions such as the Singapore Aviation Academy. He serves on several national and international aviation boards, including the Association of African Aviation Training Organization (AATO), Civil Aviation Safety and Security Organization (CASSOA), Civil Air Navigation Services Organization (CANSO) as member at large of the Executive Committee, Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) as the Chairman of the Governing Council and formerly as Vice President (Eastern Africa) of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC).

Ms. Efrance Musimenta Mbagaya is a seasoned Human Resource Management professional with over 15 years of experience in leadership development, organizational transformation, and capacity building across aviation, energy, and financial sectors. She currently serves as Manager Human Resource – Learning & Development at the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), where she leads initiatives in performance management, leadership development, and the establishment of the Civil Aviation Training Center. A Certified Talent Practitioner, Certified Balanced Scorecard Professional, and holder of an MSc in Human Resource Management from Makerere University, Ms. Mbagaya has been instrumental in advancing training and human capital frameworks in Uganda’s aviation sector. She serves on several national and regional boards, including the Governing Council of AATO and the Federation of Uganda Employers, National Curriculum Development Center - Uganda as council member and has consulted for organizations such as CASSOA, Uganda Investment Authority, and Uganda Red Cross Society. Will this do?

The Director of the East African Civil Aviation Academy (EACAA) is a high-ranking official responsible for overseeing the academy's operations, ensuring compliance with international aviation standards, and fostering partnerships with aviation authorities and industry stakeholders Leadership & Management: Directing the academy’s strategic vision, policies, and training programs. Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to ICAO, EACAA, and national aviation regulations. Training Excellence: Overseeing pilot training, air traffic control, aviation safety, and maintenance programs. Industry Collaboration: Engaging with airlines, aviation authorities, and global training institutions. Resource Development: Managing budgets, infrastructure, and faculty to maintain high training standards. Profile Attributes: Extensive experience in aviation education or civil aviation administration. Strong background in flight training, aviation safety, or regulatory oversight. Leadership in ICAO-recognized training programs. Advanced degree in Air Transport, Aviation Management, Aeronautics and other related professionals. The director plays a crucial role in shaping Africa’s aviation workforce, ensuring safety, and meeting global aviation demands.

Civil Aviation Operations Engineer, Mr. Emmanuel Davy KOWET worked in the operational sector of air traffic management for four years. He then specialized in Air Navigation safety assessment through the implementation of Safety Management Systems (SMS) and Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Air Safety studies for several years. Since 2005, Mr. KOWET has held the positions of Head of Air Traffic Control at the ASECNA Representation in Gabon, Expert in Air Safety Assessment at the ASECNA General Direction from 2009 to 2011, Head of Air Navigation Operations in Gabon from 2012 to 2017, Integrated Management System Expert at ASECNA Headquarters from 2017 to 2021, and Head of the ERSI (Regional Fire Safety school) in Douala, Cameroon (2021 2025). Mr KOWET is a qualified AIS and RVSM instructor, an expert in aviation safety studies, a SAR (Search and Rescue) coordinator, and an expert in organizational risks and processes.

A meteorology engineer and graduate of the French National School of Meteorology (ENM), Mr. Lonihala OUATTARA worked as a forecaster for two years. He then worked as a meteorology instructor at EAMAC and, concurrently with his role as instructor, managed the school's academic program for more than 10 years. Mr. OUATTARA Lonihala holds a Certificate of Aptitude for Secondary Education (CAPES) from the University of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, he also holds a Master's degree and a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DEA) in physics from Paul Sabatier University in Toulouse, France. In this capacity, he worked as a certified physics teacher in high schools and middle schools from 1995 to 2000 and as a research engineer from 2000 to 2001 at the National Center for Scientific and Technological Research (CNRST) in Ouagadougou. Since 2001, Mr. OUATTARA has served as a forecaster at the ASECNA office in Burkina Faso and as an instructor in meteorology (Dynamic meteorology, Marine meteorology, meteorological assistance to Air Navigation, etc.) at the African School of Meteorology and Civil Aviation (EAMAC) from 2004 to 2023, and Head of Studies and Education at EAMAC from 2012 to 2023.

Mr. Laeke Tadesse is a seasoned aviation leader with a rich background in airline systems, information technology, and training. He currently serves as President of Ethiopian Aviation University (EAU) since April 2025. Mr. Laeke began his career in 1999 at Ethiopian Airlines Group, starting as a Junior Applications Analyst. Over time he moved through several technical and managerial roles such as Manager of Galileo System Support, Head of Galileo Ethiopia, Director of Commercial Systems, Chief Information Officer. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Malawi Airlines (formerly “Malawian Airlines”) under Ethiopian’s partnership model, where he led the Airline’s for 4 years. At EAU, Mr. Laeke emphasizes the development of competency-based aviation training and education, industry-integrated curricula and building strong partnerships to educate next generation of aviation professionals. In his current role, Mr. Laeke is working to transform EAU into a globally recognized hub for aviation training in Africa advancing hands-on learning, expanding simulator and flight training capacity, and strengthening aviation talent pipeline in Africa. His background in airline operations and systems has enabled him to have a strong foundation to link academic training with industry needs.