The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) is seeking increased financial backing from the government to expand its Civil Aviation Training Fund (CATF), a program designed to support science students eager to pursue careers in aviation, particularly those who face financial barriers.
TCAA Director General Salim Msangi stated that, despite contributions from TCAA and industry operators, existing resources are insufficient to meet the growing demand from aspiring students. Speaking at the inaugural Female in Aviation Leaders Forum, he highlighted that additional funding could enable TCAA to provide greater assistance to students committed to aviation-related studies.
The CATF currently sponsors 23 students, including eight pilots and 13 technicians, with some receiving training abroad. However, high tuition and training costs pose substantial challenges, particularly for low-income students.
The Female in Aviation Leaders Forum brought together over 100 participants, emphasizing the importance of increasing women’s representation in traditionally male-dominated roles such as pilots and aircraft maintenance technicians. Msangi noted the forum’s potential to empower women in aviation and called for a focus on promoting science education early on, encouraging young women to consider these fields.
Zanzibar’s Minister for Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Ms. Riziki Juma Pembe, supported the forum’s vision, underscoring the need to challenge gender imbalances within the sector and inspire more women to pursue aviation careers.
Ms. Maria Memba, TCAA’s Director of Legal Services and founder of the forum, emphasized that the event is designed to drive change, advocating for equal representation and greater female leadership in the aviation industry across Tanzania.
