Mercy’s mission – to prepare the next generation

There is a shortage of personnel in the continent’s aeronautical industry and Makau decided to help to fill the gap by setting-up a non-profit organisation in Nairobi called Young Aviators Club of Africa ​​(YACAfrica).

Today, YACAfrica is established in several countries on the continent.

“We prepare young people to enter the aviation and aerospace industries to ensure the availability of trained, qualified and experienced professionals,” she explained.

And the need is urgent. According to Boeing’s projections for the next 20 years, Africa will need around 67,000 people in the industry, including 20,000 pilots.

In practice, this involves facilitating and promoting innovation and creativity by setting up scholarships through established partnerships. There is also the involvement and participation of young people in aeronautical and space events. As she said: “These levers are essential to create the necessary foundations for our future workforce.

“We have units within universities, schools and academies and are having constructive discussions to strengthen our presence in Uganda and Rwanda – and also to establish new branches in Gabon, Ghana and Senegal.”

YACAfrica now has more than 60,000 members, including students aged from four to their late 20s. “The older students are coached by around 900 volunteers, mainly from civil aviation, who all give their time to share their aeronautical experiences.”

The association has been awarded two International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) awards for winning innovation competitions.

Makau insists on the promotion of the cultures of peace, voluntary work, tolerance, cultural differences and environmental issues. The organisation also positions itself as a bridge between the academic world and industry.

YACAfrica acts in accordance with the ICAO next generation of aviation professionals (NGAP) initiative and also maximises contacts with industry players as their support is essential.