Online Reporter
Business Reporter
The Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) plans to spend about US$1,6 billion on various airport infrastructure projects over the next five years, according to its 2025–2030 strategic plan.
The ambitious investment programme is a core component of achieving the goals set out in the national blueprint, National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
The plan’s centrepiece is the significant upgrade of Charles Prince Airport outside Harare, projected to cost US$1 billion.
This massive investment, which ACZ intends to fund through a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) and the Treasury, will transform the facility into a major secondary international gateway.
The scope includes establishing new cargo and expanded passenger terminals, alongside specialised facilities for general aviation. The development supports the Government’s push for new administrative and business hubs in the Mount Hampden area.
In the eastern region, the ACZ intends to develop Mutare International Airport at an estimated cost of US$500 million.
The new facility is expected to feature both passenger and cargo infrastructure, significantly boosting air connectivity and trade potential for Manicaland province.
Complementing these major projects, the ACZ has allocated significant capital towards rehabilitating existing facilities. Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport is set for a US$30 million injection to refurbish and upgrade its runway, taxiway, and air traffic control tower.
Regional airports are also slated for major works, including a US$100 million terminal and runway upgrade at Kariba Airport and a US$20 million runway and taxiway improvement project at Masvingo Airport. Buffalo Range Airport will receive US$6 million for runway rehabilitation.
Safety and operational efficiency are key components of the plan, with about US$15 million set aside for the procurement and replacement of fire tenders across all national airports. Focusing on sustainability, the ACZ plans the establishment of solar farms at all airports at a cost of US$10 million to ensure power reliability and reduce its carbon footprint.
Finally, the plan includes targeted improvements to essential ancillary services.
ACZ plans to spend US$32 million on the refurbishment of the catering facility at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
It also plans to construct a new catering facility at Victoria Falls International Airport at a cost of US$10 million.
The ACZ was established in 2018 through the Civil Aviation Amendment Act.
This created a split from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, which retains the function of regulation—safety and security oversight.
Its core mandate is to operate as a full commercial entity with a focus on business development. Its responsibilities include acquiring, establishing, developing, maintaining, managing, controlling, and operating airports.
The company successfully implemented several major infrastructure and operational projects during the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) period (2021–2025), significantly enhancing the country’s aviation capabilities and safety standards.
The biggest achievement was the near-completion and operationalisation of the upgraded Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (RGMIA) in Harare.
As part of this flagship project, the ACZ oversaw the commissioning of upgraded terminal buildings. The core project involved the expansion of terminal buildings and associated facilities, increasing the airport’s passenger handling capacity.
A state-of-the-art VVIP State Pavilion was commissioned, providing a modern and secure gateway for high-level visiting dignitaries. A satellite fire station was commissioned at RGMIA to ensure swift emergency response times across the expanded airside area.
The ACZ also made substantial investments aimed at boosting safety and national coverage.
Several key national airports benefited from the upgrade and rehabilitation of runways and taxiways, ensuring compliance with international safety standards and improving landing conditions.
ACZ boosted its emergency response capability through the procurement of critical airside safety and maintenance equipment and the acquisition of emergency services equipment, including new ambulances.
Construction was completed on a new fire station at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (JMNIA) in Bulawayo, further decentralising and strengthening airport fire and rescue services.
Security was enhanced at the country’s primary tourist gateway with the electrical fencing of Victoria Falls International Airport. The operationalisation of Grand Reef Airport established a new functional base for aviation activity.
Administratively, the period saw the completion of the CAAZ and ACZ unbundling process, formally separating the commercial operation of airports from the regulatory and oversight functions.
