The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) has begun preparations for the upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP-CMA) audit, scheduled to take place from 8 to 21 April 2026.
During a high-level preparatory meeting held at the TCAA Headquarters in Dar es Salaam, the Director General of the TCAA, Mr Salim Msangi, urged aviation stakeholders to intensify their efforts toward audit readiness. The audit, which is a mandatory obligation for all ICAO contracting states, presents an opportunity for Tanzania to demonstrate its capability in aviation safety oversight and its commitment to the effective implementation of the Eight Critical Elements of the safety oversight system.
Although Tanzania has previously undergone ICAO audits, with the last one conducted in 2017, the 2026 USOAP-CMA will be a full-scope audit covering all areas of aviation safety oversight. In 2017, Tanzania recorded a score of 67.3%, above the global average at the time. However, the global benchmark has since risen to 75%, and the national target is now set at surpassing 85%. Achieving this goal will require strengthened collaboration and dedicated effort from all aviation stakeholders.
The Director General emphasised that, despite the 2026 timeline, the preparation window is limited and requires immediate action. He also underscored that success in the audit would reflect positively not only on the regulator but across the entire aviation industry, bolstering confidence among international partners, passengers, and investors.
The USOAP-CMA audit will assess Tanzania’s ability to implement effective safety oversight based on eight critical elements, which include: legislation, organisation, personnel licensing, aircraft operations, airworthiness, accident investigation, air navigation services, aerodromes and ground aids, and the State Safety Programme.
The meeting convened senior representatives from airlines, airports, approved training organisations, air navigation service providers, and other key aviation sector stakeholders. All attendees are expected to play a significant role in supporting Tanzania’s preparations for the 2026 audit.
