The Future of Flight: Why Africa’s Youth Must Lead the Advanced Air Mobility Revolution

By Juliet Akoth 

The future of aviation in Africa is no longer a distant dream, it is unfolding now. 

In a bold move to reshape urban transportation, countries like Kenya are stepping into the world of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). This game-changing technology, think flying taxis and drone-based deliveries, is projected to grow into a $1 trillion global market by 2040.

For Africa, AAM offers more than just futuristic aircraft; it’s a chance to leapfrog traditional infrastructure gaps, solve persistent mobility challenges, and put young people at the helm of the next aviation revolution.

This week, Nairobi hosted the groundbreaking Advanced Air Mobility Symposium, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to map out Africa’s role in this aviation revolution. 

Discussions centered on the integration of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, drone technology, and the critical role AAM could play in solving Africa’s mobility challenges, from decongesting cities to improving access to remote areas.

For flying taxis and autonomous aerial solutions to become a reality, however, Africa must invest in infrastructure, establish regulatory frameworks, and, most importantly, cultivate a skilled workforce ready to drive these innovations. 

Youth as Catalysts for Change

With over 60% of Africa’s population under 25, the continent is the youngest globally. By 2030, young Africans will make up 42% of the world’s youth population—a demographic powerhouse just waiting to be tapped.

Captain Mercy Makau, founder of the Young Aviators Club of Africa (YACAfrica), believes the adoption of AAM presents a significant employment opportunity for young people.

“I speak for the youth, I speak for women, and I’m truly excited about AAM technology. It has the potential to help Africa align with key global and continental development goals, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union Agenda 2063, objectives we’ve struggled to achieve due to inadequate infrastructure,” she explained.

Makau noted that AAM could bridge development gaps by enhancing connectivity to marginalized communities while unlocking Africa’s greatest asset, its youth. 

“This technology could create a wealth of opportunities for young people, empowering them to be key players in shaping the future of mobility across the continent,” she added.

A 2024 study by ScienceDirect supports this, showing that youth are often early adopters and influencers of new technologies. The research highlights that perceived ease of use is a key determinant of technology adoption, underscoring the importance of user-friendly interfaces in encouraging youth engagement.

Founded in 2012 by Captain Makau, YACA aims to nurture and develop Africa's next generation of aviation and aerospace professionals. 

Headquartered in Nairobi, the organization has grown to include over 60,000 members aged 4 to 27 years from across Africa, offering mentorship, STEM education, and hands-on aviation experiences.

Wesley Wafula, a member of YACA, is making the most of his time after high school by volunteering as an aviation teacher at Kitengela International School as he awaits university admission. Having studied Aviation Technology at Lenana School, he is committed to passing on his knowledge to the next generation. 

Wesley Wafula, a member of the Young Aviators Club of Africa at the AAM Symposium in Nairobi. photo Juliet

"Early engagement in aviation is crucial, and I was fortunate to join YACA while still in high school. This is my way of giving back to the community, mentoring others just as I was mentored," Wafula shared.

At YACA, members are grouped based on age and education level, creating a structured mentorship pipeline. Primary school students are known as Falcons, followed by Eagles in secondary school, Hawks at the university level, and Albatross for young professionals. Each tier mentors the one below it, fostering a continuous cycle of knowledge-sharing and skill development in aviation.

“At the club, we introduce young minds to aviation, aerospace, and drone technologies. YACA is playing a crucial role in influencing policies that support the integration of Africa's sustainable goals,” noted Captain Makau.

She added, “By actively participating in policy dialogues and collaborating with regulatory bodies, we ensure that the perspectives of the younger generation are considered in decision-making. For instance, we have a memorandum with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, which is fully dedicated to capacity building for the aviation and aerospace sector.”

This collaboration is vital for creating inclusive and forward-thinking aviation policies. Through partnerships with stakeholders such as the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Education, and institutions of higher learning, YACA is working on impactful projects that include youth at every stage, from planning to implementation.

YACA’s initiatives include climate action and food security projects that leverage drone technology for environmental sustainability and precision agriculture. Young aviators use drones to monitor deforestation, track wildlife, and assess land degradation, aiding conservation efforts.

In Kenya, with the authorization of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), YACA demonstrates these technologies to farmers, promoting their uptake and creating employment opportunities. 

“Through these actions, the youth have proven to be at the forefront in promoting responsible, safe, and secure use of drones. They are well-informed of regulations and vigilant about potential threats to national security,” Captain Makau explained.

Martin Kariuki, a student at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) pursuing aeronautical engineering, is a licensed drone pilot and a member of YACA. He sees AAM as a field where youth must take the lead. 

Members of the Young Aviators Club of Africa Martin Kariuki and Everlyne Njuguna  at the AAM Symposium in Nairobi. photo juliet 

“As young people, we are the ones tasked with understanding AAM, just like AI. We must familiarize ourselves with emerging technologies to take up leadership roles soon,” said Kariuki.

Kariuki credits YACA for exposing him to opportunities he once thought were out of reach. 

“YACA provides a platform for nurturing talent and providing information about the aviation world. Many grow up thinking aviation is only about being a pilot or an engineer, but there’s so much more, drone technology, aviation doctors, aviation lawyers, and much more,” he noted.

Through YACA, Kariuki obtained his remote pilot license and connected with mentors who have helped him forge professional networks. He urges organizations and companies in the aviation space to support young people with internship opportunities and funding for their innovative projects so they can launch their careers and gain traction in the industry.

Everlyne Njuguna, a third-year aeronautical engineering student at TUK, is in the process of obtaining her remote pilot license. She also believes Africa’s youth are eager to participate in AAM initiatives but need support from industry leaders.

“Africa has the youngest population, which is not being fully utilized. If we harness this demographic, we can achieve growth like India, where students are partnered with organizations to navigate the industry and enter the workforce directly. In Kenya, students often struggle to find jobs long after graduating. The youth are willing to engage in AAM pilot programs, but are industry leaders willing to engage us?” Njuguna posed.

The Sustainability Question 

While AAM promises transformative benefits, questions about sustainability remain. Most eVTOLs rely on lithium batteries, which pose environmental challenges. Wakina Mutembei, Kenya Airways’ Sustainability Lead, emphasizes the need to consider the entire lifecycle of AAM solutions.

“How do we ensure AAM contributes to sustainable development? First, we need assembly plants in Kenya to create jobs for the youth. Second, eVTOLs can improve access to remote areas for healthcare and we can be able to have some level of social equity. But we must also ask: Are we using recycled materials to build these eVTOLs?” Wakina posed.

How easy is it to disassemble them, and are we engaging the young people in the market today who are unemployed to start learning what these materials are that are making the eVTOLs, and how can we train them on how to recycle them and make more goods from them to be able to create a product? Are we training youth to recycle and repurpose materials?” 

Kimberly Nyawira, another aeronautical engineering student at Technical University of Kenya, believes youth can lead the way in finding sustainable solutions. She suggests the use of solar energy to power eVTOLs instead of lithium batteries. 

“Innovations such as eVTOLs must focus on energy sources. Using green energy to run them could contribute to minimizing carbon emissions which is crucial. Instead of lithium batteries, we can explore solar energy. Not everything needs to be powered by batteries,” Nyawira said.

Experts at the symposium also explored the potential of hydrogen batteries a cleaner alternative to lithium batteries for powering eVTOLs, highlighting their lower environmental impact and potential for sustainable aviation.

Captain Makau urged leaders and policymakers to support youth initiatives. 

“I urge leaders to support boot camps and university research collaborations in aeronautical engineering, aerospace, and data science which will in turn lead students to develop research projects on marine aviation and AAM. These projects are already ongoing with institutions like the University of Eldoret and I will be happy to produce and support more evidence and information to enable other people to implement this effectively,” she said.

YACA and its partners plan to host the Aviation and Aerospace Forum in August, bringing together 3,000 youth from across Africa to establish more engagements and drive the continent’s AAM revolution.

The message is clear: Africa’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the innovators of today. With the right support, they can drive the Advanced Air Mobility revolution, solving the continent’s mobility challenges while creating sustainable, inclusive growth. The time to invest in their potential is now.