This thread is certainly getting some feedback!! Reading through it all it seems we have two main areas of debate - those who are pessimistic/disparaging, and those who are idealistic and wanting suggestions for change.
Having lived in the area long enough, I reckon change is not going to happen overnight. And in the meantime, yes its pretty disheartening. As for trying to bring a centralised, cohesive aviation policy throughout the regoin - not a chance in the short-term. African countries are very territorial, African politicians are nervously power-hungry, and African bureacrats are out to get as much power/money/security as possible - so work together with another country, tribe, nationality - no way! Give up one's perceived power to a 'foreigner' - not a chance! Work together with someone else who's different - not likely! "Who are you to tell us what to do?" "We don't need foreigners advising us" "We are a sovereign nation and onbly we know what is best for our people" and so on....
Can it be changed. Yes but only in the very long term. Aviation is a western invention for rich tourists, businessmen and politicians. When you're fighting (sometimes literally) for food, water, education, land, power and money, who cares if a few people fall out of the sky occasionally. There are more important things afoot - besides planes are just like big buses, pack 'em in and off you go. Payload? Don't understand it. Safety? Well it flew like this last time so it'll be okay this time. Responsibility? Not my job. Dodgy, old or unsafe aircraft? Well we can't judge and international agencies like the UN use it so it must be okay. Procedures? Nah, don't worry about that, the boss says do it, so we do it.
Aviation in Africa needs stability and maturity before it can be safe. And that first means stability and maturity in the region generally, diplomatically and financially.