IATA and Somali CAA Sign Safety MoU Recognizing IOSA and ISAGO
IATA and Somalia's civil aviation authority signed an MoU under which the Somali CAA will recognize IOSA and ISAGO audits as acceptable means of compliance.
The story in focus
IATA and the Somali civil aviation authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Mogadishu on October 18, 2026, under which the Somali CAA will recognize the IATA Operational Safety Audit and the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations as acceptable means of compliance with national regulations.
- The MoU was signed in Mogadishu on October 18, 2026 by IATA's Kamil Alawadhi and Somali officials.
- Somalia's CAA will recognize IOSA and ISAGO as acceptable means of compliance with national regulations.
- IATA frames the agreement as a step toward a single set of internationally recognized audit standards across Africa.
What the agreement covers
The International Air Transport Association signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Somalia's Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation to strengthen collaboration on aviation safety, a priority area under IATA's Focus Africa initiative. Under the terms, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority will recognize the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) as acceptable means of compliance with national regulations, complementing its own safety oversight functions.
Signatories and framing
The MoU was signed in Mogadishu on October 18, 2026 by Kamil Alawadhi, IATA's Regional Vice President for Africa and Middle East; Mohamed Farah Nuh, Somalia's Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation; and Ahmed Moallim Hassan, Director General of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority. IATA described the agreement as a significant step toward achieving a single set of internationally recognized audit standards across Africa. Alawadhi said the partnership would support continuous improvement of safety standards and adoption of industry best practices.
Audit standards context
The arrangement ties national regulatory compliance in Somalia to two IATA audit programs covering airline operations and ground handling. IATA said the collaboration covers promotion of industry best practices and a safety culture across the aviation sector. No implementation timeline or further conditions were stated in the announcement.
Which IATA audits will Somalia's civil aviation authority recognize under the new MoU?
The Somali CAA will recognize the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) as acceptable means of compliance with national regulations, complementing its own oversight functions.
Sources & further reading
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