Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve
ZIMBABWE has made significant strides in modernising its aviation sector thereby aligning with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
This was revealed by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, during the official opening of the 10th Africa-Indian Ocean (AFI) Aviation Week 2025 in Victoria Falls yesterday.
The event, jointly hosted by ICAO and the Ministry, has attracted over 400 local and international delegates, including aviation leaders, policymakers and technical experts from the Africa-Indian Ocean region.
Minister Mhona said Zimbabwe’s journey towards aviation excellence was marked by sweeping institutional reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and adoption of advanced safety systems.
Minister Mhona said in 2019, the Government restructured the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) to enhance efficiency and ensure compliance with international standards. This gave birth to the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ), which now oversees airport operations, and the Air Accidents Investigation and Serious Incidents Department.
Highlighting infrastructure developments, Minister Mhona said Zimbabwe invested US$153 million in the upgrade and expansion of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, increasing its annual passenger handling capacity from 2,5 million to 6 million.
The project included the construction of a new international terminal, four additional air bridges, expanded aprons, a VVIP pavilion and modern facilities such as gyms, salons and children’s play areas.
Minister Mhona said the Victoria Falls International Airport was also expanded in 2016 at a cost of US$150 million. The project tripled the airport’s capacity to 1,5 million passengers annually, with a new 4 000-metre runway and an international terminal, while the old terminal was converted for domestic use.
In terms of air navigation and safety, Minister Mhona said Zimbabwe has modernised aeronautical information systems and installed state-of-the-art navigation technologies. “Regarding human capital development in aviation, we have launched the Aviation Training Academy of Zimbabwe (ATAZ), which is now accredited by ICAO,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s international cooperation efforts have been enhanced, with the country serving as a member of the ICAO Council and joining the ICAO Public Key Directory (PKD) in September 2022. The PKD enhances secure verification of electronic travel documents.
Minister Mhona said Zimbabwe recently ratified and acceded to four key international aviation instruments, including amendments to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and the Convention on the Suppression of Unlawful Acts relating to international civil aviation.
The country is set to deposit an instrument of ratification for the Protocol to the Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment, related specifically to aircraft equipment, at the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (Unidroit) in Rome, Italy.
“As a contracting State of ICAO, Zimbabwe is committed to implementing international aviation standards and recommended practices. We firmly believe that this event will provide an opportunity for us to strengthen our partnerships and work towards a common goal of promoting aviation development in Africa and beyond,” he said.
Minister Mhona said Zimbabwe’s engagement with ICAO complements President Mnangagwa’s foreign policy of engagement and re-engagement.
“As host, we are committed to working with ICAO and all member states to promote a safe, secure, and sustainable aviation sector,” he said. — @nyeve14.
Bunjiwe Mkwananzi