Mozambique | IACM corrects gaps detected by SADC mission

Mozambique's Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority (IACM) is actively addressing deficiencies identified by a technical mission from the Southern African Development Community's Safety Aviation Safety Organisation (SASO), reporting an 80% correction rate. This proactive response is part of a broader national effort to enhance aviation safety standards and align with international best practices, particularly those set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The corrections involve a significant overhaul and updating of the national legal and regulatory framework, including the Civil Aviation Law and associated technical regulations, laying a crucial foundation for an anticipated ICAO audit in 2027. This development underscores Mozambique's commitment to ensuring a safe, regular, and efficient air transport sector.

Mozambique's civil aviation sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a concerted effort to rectify identified regulatory and operational shortcomings. The Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority of Mozambique (IACM) has announced substantial progress in addressing gaps detected by a technical mission from the Southern African Development Community's Safety Aviation Safety Organisation (SASO), with an impressive 80% correction rate already achieved. This development is not merely a reactive measure but forms an integral part of Mozambique's strategic vision for its aviation industry, aiming to bolster safety, efficiency, and international compliance.

The findings of the SADC mission, while not a formal audit, served as a critical diagnostic tool, highlighting areas requiring urgent attention within the national civil aviation system. The IACM's swift and comprehensive response, particularly in updating its legal and regulatory framework, signals a robust commitment to upholding the highest standards of aviation governance. For legal practitioners, this period presents a dynamic landscape of evolving regulations, necessitating a keen understanding of the new compliance requirements and their implications for aviation businesses operating within or interacting with Mozambican airspace.

This article will delve into the statutory and doctrinal underpinnings of civil aviation in Mozambique, analyse the nature of the identified gaps and the IACM's corrective actions, and discuss the broader implications for legal professionals and the future trajectory of the country's aviation sector. The proactive engagement with regional and international aviation standards positions Mozambique to strengthen its air transport capabilities and enhance its standing in the global aviation community.

The regulatory framework for civil aviation in Mozambique is primarily governed by Lei n.º 5/2016, de 14 de Junho, the Civil Aviation Law, which repealed the earlier Lei n.º 21/2009, de 28 de Setembro. This foundational law establishes the general principles for civil aviation, with a core objective of ensuring the safety, regularity, competitiveness, and efficiency of air transport operations. Crucially, it mandates adherence to international standards and conventions related to civil aviation, particularly those enshrined in the Annexes to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, signed in Chicago in 1944, to which Mozambique became a contracting state in 1977 and ratified in 2008.

The Instituto de Aviação Civil de Moçambique (IACM) serves as the national Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority, tasked with overseeing and regulating all aspects of civil aviation, including airports, aircraft, and personnel licensing. Its mission encompasses promoting safety and navigation planning in national airspace, establishing and maintaining safety conditions, and fostering a competitive environment for civil aviation activities. Complementing the Civil Aviation Law are the Mozambique Civil Aviation Regulations (MOZ-CARs) and the Mozambique Civil Aviation Technical Standards (MOZ-CATS), which provide detailed operational and technical guidelines. For instance, Decreto n.º 8/2020 adopted MOZ-CAR PARTE 108, the Regulation on Civil Aviation Security against Acts of Unlawful Interference, directly aligning with ICAO Annex 17.

Regional cooperation, particularly through bodies like the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and its Safety Aviation Safety Organisation (SASO), plays a vital role in harmonising aviation standards across Southern Africa. Such regional initiatives often serve as precursors or complements to global oversight mechanisms, like those of ICAO. The recent SADC technical mission, therefore, provided a regional perspective on Mozambique’s compliance landscape, identifying areas where national practices might deviate from or fall short of established international benchmarks, thereby informing the IACM's subsequent corrective actions.

The SADC mission, clarified by the IACM as a technical assessment rather than a formal audit, identified various weaknesses or “gaps” within Mozambican civil aviation. While specific details of these gaps were not exhaustively enumerated, the IACM's press release and subsequent reports indicate they relate broadly to the institutional preparedness, regulatory framework, and operational practices necessary to meet international aviation safety standards. These identified issues were not entirely new, with some having been flagged in a 2025 diagnostic exercise conducted during the development of Mozambique's Civil Aviation Master Plan, approved in 2026, and are also reflected in the IACM's Strategic Plan for 2026-2029.

The IACM's reported 80% correction rate signifies substantial progress, particularly in the critical area of updating the legal and regulatory framework. During the first half of 2026, the IACM prioritised the review of the Civil Aviation Law, applicable sector decrees, and current technical regulations. This revision process, also at an estimated 80% completion rate, is foundational for strengthening certification, oversight, inspections, and the effective application of international safety standards. This aligns with Mozambique's obligations as a signatory to the Chicago Convention, which requires contracting states to adopt and implement Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) contained in its Annexes to ensure global aviation safety and interoperability.

Recent legislative developments, such as Decreto n.º 75/2025, approved on 31 December 2025, further underscore this commitment. This new regulation on the Licensing of Air Transport and Air Work Activities strengthens licensing and certification requirements, demanding increased demonstration of economic-financial capacity, technical capability, and adequate organisational structure from operators. It also explicitly enshrines principles of free, fair, and loyal competition, promoting greater transparency in accessing air transport activities. These legislative updates are crucial for addressing the identified gaps and preparing for the anticipated International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit scheduled for 2027. Mozambique's recent accession to the ICAO Public Key Directory also demonstrates its commitment to strengthening global ePassport security and interoperability.

The proactive approach taken by the IACM, moving beyond mere compliance to a strategic overhaul, is commendable. By integrating the SADC findings into its long-term strategic and annual activity plans, Mozambique is not only addressing immediate deficiencies but also building a more resilient and internationally aligned civil aviation system. This continuous review and updating of SARPs by ICAO, and their timely adoption by member states, are essential for maintaining a harmonised and safe global air transport system.

The concerted efforts by Mozambique's Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority to correct the gaps identified by the SADC mission represent a pivotal moment for the country's aviation sector. The reported 80% correction rate, particularly in the legislative and regulatory domain, demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing safety, efficiency, and adherence to international standards. This proactive stance is crucial as Mozambique prepares for a full ICAO audit in 2027, which will critically assess the effectiveness of these reforms.

For legal practitioners, these developments necessitate heightened vigilance and a thorough understanding of the evolving regulatory landscape. Aviation law specialists, corporate counsel for airlines, airport operators, and ancillary service providers must ensure their clients are fully compliant with the revised Civil Aviation Law, new licensing regulations, and updated technical standards. Due diligence in mergers, acquisitions, or new market entries within the Mozambican aviation sector will require careful consideration of these strengthened compliance requirements. Practitioners should also monitor the outcomes of the forthcoming ICAO audit and any subsequent regulatory adjustments, as these will undoubtedly shape the operational environment for years to come. Mozambique's journey towards a fully compliant and robust civil aviation system offers both challenges and opportunities for legal professionals engaged in this dynamic industry.