Emilia Njovana

Emilia Njovana is a Zimbabwean aviator recognized as the first Black woman in Africa to captain a Boeing 767-200ER. She worked with Air Zimbabwe.
Early life and education
Njovana was educated at Monte Cassino Girls High School, a Catholic mission school in Macheke, Zimbabwe.
Career
Njovana began her aviation career with Air Zimbabwe, where she rose through the ranks to become a captain. She made history as the first Black woman in Africa to captain a Boeing 767-200ER, a wide-body jet used for long-haul flights. This achievement was part of a broader effort by Air Zimbabwe, led by figures like Captain Charles "Salad" Samuriwo, to diversify the airline’s flight crews. Njovana emphasized the need for Air Zimbabwe to utilize its training facilities, such as those at Charles Prince Airport, to address the shortage of pilots in Zimbabwe. She noted that the airline’s failure to train local pilots led many aspiring aviators to seek training abroad.
Legacy and impact
Emilia Njovana’s achievement as the first Black woman to captain a Boeing 767-200ER in Africa remains a landmark in aviation history.<ref name"daddyhope"/> Njovana’s work has contributed to initiatives like Sisters of the Skies, a non-profit organization supporting Black women in aviation.<ref name"pindula"/>
Challenges and context
Njovana’s career unfolded during Zimbabwe’s post-independence era, when the aviation industry began opening to Black pilots through targeted training programs.<ref name"allAfrica"/> The decline of Air Zimbabwe due to economic and political issues led many pilots, including Njovana, to seek opportunities abroad.<ref name"pindula"/>
Recognition
First Black Woman to Captain a Boeing 767-200ER in Africa: A historic milestone acknowledged within Zimbabwe’s aviation community.<ref name="daddyhope"/>
Advocate for Pilot Training: Recognized for her advocacy for improved pilot training facilities in Zimbabwe.<ref name="pindula"/>

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