26 August 2026

Senegal Moves to Update Civil Aviation Framework Following ICAO and FAA Reviews

ANACIM has convened an ad hoc commission to update parts of Senegal's civil aviation legal framework, addressing ICAO recommendations and the conclusions of an FAA mock audit.

anacim civil aviation code commission ernam — The opening of ANACIM's ad hoc commission on Senegal's civil aviation code, at ERNAM [ANACIM]

Why this article matters
Senegal is using the findings of its 2025 ICAO assessments and the FAA mock audit to review the legislation underpinning civil aviation oversight. The identified priorities extend beyond maintaining audit scores and include accident-investigation independence, remotely piloted aircraft regulation and alignment with UEMOA standards.

ANACIM’s reported Air Navigation Services score of more than 94% indicates a strong audit result, but the review recognises that the legal framework must continue to evolve. The work remains at the commission stage, with no final amendments, adoption dates or implementation timetable announced.

Of Interest
- ANACIM established an ad hoc commission to review parts of Senegal’s civil aviation framework.
- The work follows recommendations from ICAO audits conducted in 2025.
- Findings from a separate FAA mock audit are also informing the review.
- ANACIM reported an Air Navigation Services score exceeding 94% during the 2025 USOAP-CMA assessments.
- Strengthening the independence of the Bureau of Enquiries and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety is a priority.
- The commission will consider the regulation of remotely piloted aircraft systems.
- Regional harmonisation with UEMOA standards forms part of the review.

Senegal is reviewing parts of its civil aviation legal and regulatory framework following recommendations arising from International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audits conducted in 2025 and the findings of a separate assessment by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The work is being undertaken by an ad hoc commission established by Senegal's National Civil Aviation and Meteorology Agency (ANACIM), which met at the Ecole Regionale de la Navigation Aerienne et du Management (ERNAM) from 17 to 21 August 2026.

According to ANACIM, Senegal recorded a score exceeding 94% for Air Navigation Services (ANS) during the 2025 ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP-CMA) assessments.

The review is intended to consolidate those results while addressing recommendations from ICAO and conclusions arising from a mock audit conducted by the FAA at ANACIM.

ANACIM Director General Dr Diaga Basse said the country's civil aviation texts need to evolve in line with current requirements and the development of Senegal's aviation sector.

Among the priority areas identified for the commission is strengthening the independence of the Bureau of Enquiries and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) in accordance with ICAO recommendations.

The review will also consider the regulatory framework governing remotely piloted aircraft systems and Senegal's regional integration obligations, including harmonisation with standards adopted by the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA).

ANACIM said the objective is to update the regulatory framework in a way that strengthens the country's civil aviation oversight system over the longer term.