Historic Africa-Eurasia Pact Sets New Standards for Global Aviation Safety Cooperation
In a landmark development for aviation safety, the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) and the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) formalized a groundbreaking partnership on September 25, 2025. The signing of their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal marks the first-ever official collaboration between two Regional Accident Investigation Organizations (RAIOs) spanning different continents, heralding a new era of cross-continental cooperation in aircraft accident investigations.
The MoU was signed by BAGAIA Commissioner Engr. Charles Irikefe Erhueh and IAC Chairman Oleg Storchevoy, symbolizing a shared commitment to tackling aviation safety challenges that transcend borders. This alliance reflects a growing recognition that aviation incidents require a unified, global response, leveraging diverse expertise and resources to enhance safety outcomes worldwide.
At its core, the agreement establishes a robust framework for collaboration in investigating aircraft accidents and incidents. It facilitates the exchange of technical expertise, specialist equipment, and data analysis between the African and Eurasian regions, enabling both organizations to pool their strengths and address complex investigations more effectively. This partnership also prioritizes joint research into accident causation and emerging safety technologies, creating a dynamic platform for sharing best practices and elevating safety standards in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) provisions.
A key pillar of the MoU is its emphasis on capacity building and regulatory harmonization. Through coordinated efforts such as joint workshops, regional training seminars, and mentorship programs, the partnership aims to expand and strengthen the cadre of professional accident investigators across both regions. This focus on human capital development is critical for sustaining high-quality investigations and ensuring consistent application of international standards.
Moreover, the collaboration promises to enhance the efficiency of cross-border investigations, fostering greater consistency in accident reporting and analysis worldwide. Both parties have committed to mutual support during investigations, operating under principles of confidentiality and independent financial responsibility. The MoU is effective immediately and designed to be flexible, allowing for amendments to adapt to evolving challenges in aviation safety.
Industry experts and observers have welcomed this agreement as a transformative step in international aviation cooperation. By combining the investigative capabilities of Africa’s BAGAIA and Eurasia’s IAC, the partnership not only boosts regional capacities but also sets a powerful precedent for future inter-regional alliances. This collaboration accelerates the global movement toward unified aviation safety oversight, reinforcing Africa’s role as a proactive player in shaping the future of aviation safety on the world stage.
For Africa’s aviation and travel sectors, this development signals enhanced safety assurance and improved investigative rigor, which are vital for maintaining and growing confidence among international travelers and airlines. As air traffic continues to expand across the continent, strengthened accident investigation frameworks will be essential to support sustainable growth, regulatory compliance, and the continent’s integration into the global aviation network.
Looking ahead, the BAGAIA–IAC partnership exemplifies how strategic, cross-continental cooperation can overcome resource limitations, harmonize standards, and foster innovation in aviation safety. It encourages other regional bodies to pursue similar collaborations, ultimately contributing to safer skies and more resilient aviation systems worldwide.
