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Besa Mumba

Africa's youngest female Commercial Pilot, currently a Captain on a Cessna Caravan with ProCharter Zambia.

““If you have a dream, work hard you can get to where you want. I feel amazing! I hope the young people and women will be inspired by my story to also reach for their dreams and goals because I think the sky is not even the limit,"”

Black Wall St. MediaContributor
Africa’s youngest female Commercial Pilot

Captain Besa Mumba: Breaking Barriers and Soaring Skies

In the vast blue expanse above, where dreams of flight take flight, there exists a realm where the spirit of determination knows no bounds.

It’s a place where aspirations are not tethered by gravity, and the journey is defined by the relentless pursuit of dreams. Among the countless dreams that have taken wing, the story of Captain Besa Mumba, a trailblazing aviator, is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

A Childhood Dream Takes Flight

From a tender age, Captain Besa Mumba harbored a fascination with aircraft that went beyond the ordinary. She was one of those children who would look up at the sky and wonder how those magnificent machines, airplanes, defied gravity and soared high above. It was a curiosity that would one day chart her destiny.

As she transitioned into high school, her passion for aviation took a concrete form. Besa Mumba knew that her future was destined to be among the clouds, piloting those very aircraft that had captured her imagination. Becoming a commercial pilot was her unequivocal goal, and she set her sights on the skies.

 

Rising to the Challenge

As soon as she graduated from high school, Captain Mumba embarked on her journey to the skies. Her unwavering determination led her to South Africa, where she commenced her flight training. At a young age, she earned her Private Pilot’s License, a significant milestone in her quest for the skies.

The following year, at the remarkable age of 16, Captain Mumba commenced her Commercial Pilot training at South Africa’s esteemed Flight Training Academy. It was a grueling endeavor that demanded commitment, dedication, and a fierce passion for flight. However, she triumphed, acquiring her Commercial Pilot’s License in 2015, the same year she celebrated her 18th birthday.

But Captain Besa Mumba’s ambitions didn’t stop there. She was determined to further hone her skills and expertise in the world of aviation. She pursued Advanced Flight Training at SIMU Flight in Pretoria, South Africa, demonstrating that her pursuit of excellence was unyielding.

Africa's youngest female Commercial Pilot

Africa’s youngest female Commercial Pilot

A Trailblazing Career Takes Flight

In 2016, at the tender age of 19, Captain Besa Mumba’s dreams took a monumental step forward as she joined Proflight Zambia, a reputable aviation company. She assumed the role of a First Officer on a Cessna Caravan, a formidable aircraft that would become her steadfast companion in the skies.

Captain Mumba’s journey didn’t stop with this milestone. With each passing year, she continued to break barriers and defy expectations. Her unwavering commitment to her craft and her enduring love for aviation propelled her toward new horizons.

Today, Captain Besa Mumba is not just a pioneer in her field; she’s a symbol of inspiration for aspiring aviators, especially young women. With grit, determination, and a relentless pursuit of her dreams, she now holds the esteemed position of Captain at ProCharter Zambia, the country’s largest air charter company.

In this role, she does not just pilot aircraft; she becomes the conduit to others’ dreams. She flies visitors around Zambia, delivering them to their dream vacations, making their aspirations take flight.

Captain Besa Mumba’s journey is a testament to the power of ambition and the strength of determination. Her story is an inspiration for young women around the world, and her accomplishments demonstrate that the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.

In the words of one admirer, “This is empowering for young women! It takes confidence to fly, and it’s easy to see her articulate that trait.” 

Indeed, Captain Besa Mumba is not just navigating aircraft; she's steering the way for countless dreams to take flight.

Black Wall St. MediaContributor

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