VICTORIA FALLS – Vice President Colonel (Rtd) Kembo C.D Mohadi has attributed the growth and resurgence of Zimbabwe’s aviation sector, marked by the arrival of new airlines and increased flight frequencies by existing carriers, to the country’s successful engagement and re-engagement policy.
VP Mohadi made these remarks during the official opening of the 10th edition of the Africa Indian Ocean (AFI) Aviation Week, currently underway at Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls.
The high-profile event, organised by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwe’s aviation sector.
VP Mohadi noted the presence of several airlines operating in Zimbabwe, a development he attributed to the government’s engagement and re-engagement efforts.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, through the engagement and re-engagement policy, Zimbabwes aviation sector has shown growth with new airlines coming on board as an increase in frequencies by the existing ones. To date the following airlines among others, are flying into Zimbabwe: Emirates, Qatar, Ethiopian, Air Botswana, Eswatini Air, Zambian Airways, Cemair, Fastjet, Kenya Airways, Martin Air Cargo, Mackair, FlySafair, South African Airways, Airlink, Fastjet and Eurowings. This is an eloquent testament to the fact that Zimbabwe continues to welcome investment and growth in the aviation sector in line with the National Development Strategy 1,” he said.
He further highlighted that Zimbabwe has implemented the Open Skies policy, a move designed to liberalize air transport services and promote the country’s emergence as a key aviation hub in the region.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, let me take this opportunity to inform you all that, Zimbabwe has undertaken key initiatives in the full implementation of the Open Skies Policy in line with the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) which came into force in July 2000, paving the way for the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). This Policy has also opened the airspace to more international airlines through several Air Service Agreements (ASA), allowing multiple airline designations to the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, the Joshua Nkomo International Airport and the host Victoria Falls International Airport,” said VP Mohadi.
He cited participation in regional and international bodies such as the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as crucial in adopting international standards and good practices in transport and transport infrastructure.
“Our participation within regional and global bodies on Transport and Transport Infrastructure also avails an opportunity for us to adopt international standards and good practices. I applaud our collaboration and participation in regional and international bodies such as the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO),” he said.
He also applauded the 2nd Republic under the visionary leadership of President Cde Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa for creating an enabling environment that has facilitated growth and development in the aviation sector.
“Through the visionary leadership of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His government reaffirms its commitment towards the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) initiatives and policies, designed to establish and uphold a safe, secure, efficient, economically sustainable, and environmentally responsible international air transport system.
“Our Second Republic’s milestones in infrastructure development, health and safety enhancements, human capital development, and international collaboration underscore Zimbabwe’s dedication to advancing its aviation sector as we strive towards a middle-income society by the year 2030,” said VP Mohadi.
In his address at the same event, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Advocate Felix Tapiwa Mhona, also commended the government’s engagement and re-engagement policy, crediting it for opening up new opportunities and boosting the country’s aviation industry.
“Indeed, Cooperation with the ICAO is crucial for Zimbabwe, as it promotes our engagement and re-engagement foreign policy agenda, championed by our great leader, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde, Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa’s administration.
“Ladies and Gentlemen; As the host country, Zimbabwe is committed to working closely with ICAO and other member states to promote safe, secure, and sustainable air transport,” said Minister Mhona.
The Minister noted that the event would serve as a platform to bolster partnerships and unite efforts in promoting aviation development in Africa and beyond.
He highlighted several key initiatives implemented by his Ministry, including the unbundling of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, modernization of airports such as the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and Victoria Falls International Airport, installation of Advanced Navigation Systems, launch of the Aviation Training Academy of Zimbabwe, and successful joining of the ICAO Public Key Directory, among others.
A landmark Management Service Agreement was also signed between the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe and ICAO, with ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar and CAAZ Director General Mr George Mashabane representing the two parties, marking a significant milestone in the country’s aviation sector.
The event was graced by the presence of prominent global aviation leaders, including ICAO President Mr Salvatore Sciacchitano, African Civil Aviation Commission President Mr Florent Serge Dzota, and Secretary General Ms Adefunke Adeyemi, alongside a diverse delegation of stakeholders from across Africa and beyond.
By Jeremiah Gora
