Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
The Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) Pilot Implementation Project airshow which seeks to accelerate the liberalisation of air transport across the continent is currently underway in Harare.
SAATM is a flagship African Union project aimed at removing market access restrictions and enabli0ng the free exercise of fifth-freedom traffic rights across Africa.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona is presiding over the event.
The high-level aviation event brings together key stakeholders from the aviation, transport, trade, and tourism sectors to discuss ways to improve connectivity and strengthen regional integration.
Discussions will focus on aligning air service agreements with continental frameworks, removing barriers affecting air connectivity, promoting partnerships between airlines and airports, and advancing the implementation of SAATM.
The initiative is expected to enhance the movement of people and goods across the continent while supporting growth in trade, tourism and investment.
Improved aviation connectivity is expected to contribute towards sustainable economic development by creating opportunities for businesses and strengthening links between African countries.
Zimbabwe’s hosting of the airshow follows the country’s participation in regional transport and infrastructure engagements, where ministers have been pushing for increased cooperation.
Transport and Infastructural Development Deputy Minister Joshua Sacco, African Civil Aviation Commission secretary-general Ms Adeyemi Adefunke, Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe board chairperson Mrs Nonkosi Ncube and Air Zimbabwe chief executive officer Mr Edmund Murambiwa Makona are among those attending the airshow.
Also attending are officials from COMESA, the African Union, and other senior Government officials.
