Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Honourable Advocate Felix Tapiwa Mhona, who is leading a delegation in Montreal, Canada, for the 42nd Session of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly, yesterday held bilateral meetings with the ICAO President and his counterpart from Botswana.
The Honourable Minister thanked the ICAO President, Salvatore Sciacchitano for the meeting opportunity amidst the Assembly’s busy schedule, also commending his exceptional leadership, particularly in guiding the aviation industry through the COVID-19 pandemic.
They discussed Zimbabwe’s significant contributions to the ICAO Council during its tenure, which is coming to a close.
Mr Salvatore Sciacchitano was elected on November 25, 2019, for a three-year term starting January 1, 2020, and was re-elected for a second term beginning January 1, 2023.
The conversation also explored opportunities for Zimbabwe to get involved in producing Sustainable Aviation Fuels, supporting the aviation industry’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Mr Sciacchitano who has over 40 years of experience in aviation, previously serving as the Executive Secretary of the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) and holding various roles in the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC), expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality he received during his visit to Zimbabwe for the AFI Aviation week and was impressed by the evident progress Zimbabwe is making in liberalisation of air transport which is supporting a vibrant tourism industry.
The AFI Aviation week was held from the 26th to 30th of May 2025 in Victoria Falls.
Honourable Minister Felix Tapiwa Mhona also held a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, Honourable Noah Salakae, Botswana’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure.
The main focus of their discussion was the implementation of the Rail Tripartite Agreement between Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Mozambique, where they addressed outstanding issues crucial for improving accessibility and trade, while also noting with satisfaction Zimbabwe’s progress in reviving rail services that were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
They also discussed issues on accessing the port and to need to urgently address pending deals and Memorandum of Understandings.
The Ministry of Transport is spearheading a drive to improve infrastructure nationwide, with a focus on reviving and enhancing rail networks and airports to boost connectivity and economic growth.
Story by Jeremiah Gora
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