18 February 2022: This morning, the Eastern and Southern Regional Director of the International Civil Aviation Association (ICAO), Barry Kashambo paid a virtual courtesy call on Botswana’s Minister of Transport and Communications (MTC), Hon Thulagano Segokgo.

The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen relations between ICAO and Botswana, whilst seeking avenues of future collaboration.

As a preamble to the discussions, the CAAB Chief Executive Officer, Dr Bao Mosinyi gave a summary of the two major  events taking place and lead by the Organisation this year.

These, he said were, the ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM) in June and the certification of Sir Seretse Khama International Airport. He further expressed gratitude to ICAO Regional Office for responding positively to CAAB’s call for assistance in providing the country with expert advice leading to the ICVM and the upcoming certification of the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SSKIA).

For his part, The Minister stated the Government of Botswana’s view that aviation is vital to the growth of the country’s economy and to tourism. He conceded that COVID 19 had dealt a tremendous shock to the aviation industry and commended CAAB for the work it was able to accomplish under the circumstances.

He told ICAO Regional Director of the confidence he has in the CAAB’s leadership during these “challenging times”. We will work together with them to meet and, where possible exceed their targets set, he added.

Mr. Kashambo applauded the Government of Botswana for its consistent commitment to striving to acquire the best leadership its collaborations with ICAO in the past. He cited the Country’s hosting of the 2017 Aviation week, which he described as “the best week so far”.

The Regional Director expressed the importance of the acquisition of aviation technical skills by the country which he described as highly lacking all over the African continent. He called upon the Governments to incentivize youth to pursue technical fields in aviation.   He said the Regional Office was ready to offer internships that technical officers can acquire to have international exposure and experience.

Also present at the meeting was the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC’s) Permanent Secretary Jimmy Opelo.