Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
TRANSPORT and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona says the time has come for African countries to build modern, resilient and efficient aviation infrastructure while leveraging advances in information and communication technologies to accelerate continental air transport liberalisation and integration.
He said this at the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) Pilot Implementation Project (PIP) Airshow on Friday.
SAATM is a flagship African union project that aims to liberalise intra-African skies by lifting market access restrictions and permitting the free exercise of fifth-freedom traffic rights.
The meeting was held under the theme “Acceleration of air transport liberalisation in Africa to improve continental connectivity and integration”.
In his address, Minister Mhona hailed the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) officials and its partners for their collective commitment to promoting greater connectivity, economic growth, and regional integration across Africa.
He said gatherings of this nature provide them with appropriate platforms for sharing experiences, exchanging ideas and strengthening cooperation among African nations in the advancement of the implementation of the SAATM.
“We also get an opportunity to reaffirm our collective resolve and aspiration to eliminate policy, structural and regulatory barriers which continue to hinder the growth and competitiveness of Africa’s aviation market,” he said.
“I do not doubt that this pilot project will enrich our collective aspirations and strengthen our determination to build an interconnected Africa as one of the critical enablers of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The SAATM facilitates the seamless movement of people, goods, services and investment across the African continent, as we move towards the Africa we want by the year 2063.
“There is indeed a lot of work to do and impediments to deal with along the journey. They must continue working towards the removal of barriers to connectivity, including visa and tax restrictions, to enable the free movement of people and unlock the full benefits of continental integration.
“The full implementation of SAATM remains of strategic importance to Africa’s socio-economic transformation through the adoption of compliant Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs). “Member States can now eliminate unnecessary air transport restrictions and create an environment that enables African airlines to establish new direct routes. This will significantly reduce travel times, improve connectivity, and facilitate trade and tourism.
“Moreover, the BASAs which comply with SAATM have been shown to promote healthy competition among airlines, which has led to higher flight frequencies, enhanced service quality, and more cost-effective air travel for African citizens travelling within the continent. The net effect has been the improvement in terms of connectivity on the continent.”
Minister Mhona said Zimbabwe is currently reassessing all BASAs with the SAATM Member States to ensure they are in compliance with the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD).
He said this was demonstrated in the 2025 SAATM Implementation Report, where intra-African connectivity was shown to have jumped from 14.5 percent in 2021 to 23 percent in 2025, representing a significant improvement over four years.
“This growth is recorded as largely driven by the expanded use of Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights, which have enabled airlines to carry passengers between two foreign countries as part of a broader international route network. Furthermore, in support of the African Union’s vision of a unified and connected continent, Zimbabwe signed the Solemn Commitment to implement SAATM in 2022,” he said.
“In that vein, we have implemented all eight SAATM Concrete Measures, including the review of BASAs to be compliant with the Yamoussoukro Decision.
“We continue to review and negotiate additional agreements, ensure that our BASAs are in full alignment with continental aviation liberalisation objectives towards the Africa We Want, as envisioned under Agenda 2063.
“Just like other States, Zimbabwe reaffirms its unwavering support for the Lomé Ministerial Declaration of June 2026 on accelerating SAATM implementation and advancing accessible, affordable, connected and sustainable air transport in Africa.”
He said for liberalisation of African aviation, adequate infrastructure and appropriate systems, including robust air transport facilitation measures, should be put in place.
“Within this framework, Zimbabwe has, through Public-Private Partnerships, invested significantly in the rehabilitation, expansion, and modernisation of three major international airports, namely, the Joshua Nkomo International Airport, in Bulawayo; the Victoria Falls International Airport and the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport,” he said.
“ The Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport project increased passenger handling capacity from approximately two million to 6,5 million passengers annually.
“Simultaneously, we invested in modern airspace management infrastructure, including a Secondary Surveillance Radar System and upgraded Air Traffic Control systems, to enhance aviation safety and operational efficiency.
“In addition, we continue to invest in the technological modernisation of the entire aviation sector,” he said.
“We are currently implementing an Aeronautical Message Handling System (AMHS) to facilitate the timely exchange of critical operational information and improve air navigation services. “Member States that have not yet fully embraced this initiative are encouraged to join this noble cause, so that together, we contribute to the full implementation of the SAATM.”
Minister Mhona said the time has come for them to dismantle the barriers that impede its success, including excessive protectionism, market access restrictions, and non-tariff impediments affecting the growth of African aviation.
