How do you tell when you are flying over Africa? 

Seriously, traffic tripled in the 1990's and continues to grow. 

Despite recent inprovements, traffic management in Africa remains deficient--critically so in some areas.  Some controllers do not communicate effectively with aircraft under their "control".  Some centers do not communicate with one another-at times due to equipment, sometimes due to politics.

Uganda's G4 at OAU meeting in Arusha

Keep your ears open and tell others where you are.  If you hear a language other than English and do not understand it, clarify it.  Much of Africa is controlled in the French language so it is beneficial to have aboard a pilot who understands and speaks at least basic French. 

Depending upon where you operate, you may also encounter Portuguese and some Russian.

TCAS is not a panacea.  Military, cargo and small aircraft are not required to have TCAS or even transponders, and your dilligent observation is required to assure separation. 

Use frequency 126.9 and the broadcast procedure marked on the Jeppesen high altitude enroute charts.

With the World’s Emissary to Africa

If you are headed to Africa, you may request a free Jeppesen insert that contains an enlarged copy of the IATA IFBP (In Flight Broadcast Procedure).  Call or email IPS for yours.