The Secretary-General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), AdeSewa Adeyemi (formerly known as Adefunke Adeyemi) has embraced her new name as she marks four years in office, describing it as a reflection of her personal evolution and the broader dimensions of her identity, work and growth.

AdeSewa introduced the name in a personal statement reflecting on her journey, experiences and leadership that have shaped her beyond her role in African aviation.

“AdeSewa represents a version of me that feels more aligned with who I am today. We are constantly evolving through experience, growth and the different seasons of life. Sometimes, we arrive at a point where we recognise a version of ourselves that feels more true, more intentional and more aligned,” she said.

The announcement comes as she marks her fourth year as Secretary-General of AFCAC, a position she assumed in September 2022 and was subsequently reappointed for a further three-year term.

At AFCAC, AdeSewa has led the Commission’s work across aviation safety, security, connectivity and environmental sustainability, as well as the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) across the African Union’s 55 Member States.

Her leadership at AFCAC builds on more than 25 years of experience across aviation, law, trade, transportation, sustainability and international development. Before taking on the role, she held senior regional leadership positions at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), where she championed African connectivity and aviation policy.

Her career has included significant contributions to the advancement of SAATM, advocacy efforts that contributed to unlocking more than $2 billion in blocked airline funds in specific African markets, and COVID-19 industry advocacy that supported approximately $3 billion in financial relief and policy measures for African aviation.

Beyond aviation, AdeSewa has continued to build a body of work shaped by her interests in leadership, social impact and legacy.

She authored Singular – Living your best life, a book that explores identity, purpose, leadership and the journey of becoming, with a sequel currently underway. She is also co-founder and Board of Trustees Member of Female Initiatives for Impact (FIFI), an initiative focused on empowering women, advancing opportunities and driving meaningful social impact.

Through Africa 54/7, she has also created a platform to amplify African stories, ideas, opportunities and possibilities.

These different pursuits reflect a broader dimension of her work: a commitment to creating, building and contributing beyond the immediate demands of a professional role.

“I have always been drawn to creating and building. Whether it is an institution, an idea, a platform or an opportunity for others, I want the work to transcend the immediate moment and carry lasting meaning.

Increasingly, I think about what we create, what we leave behind, and what has the power to outlive us,” she added.

As she begins this next chapter, AdeSewa says her focus is not on leaving behind the work she has done, but on creating space for more of it.

“There is still so much I want to do, create and contribute. I want to continue building things that matter, nurturing people, creating opportunities and using every platform available to me to make a meaningful difference,” she said.

For her, embracing AdeSewa is a celebration of the beauty in continuity and a new expression of an evolving story. It honours the experiences that have shaped her while making room for the possibilities that lie ahead.