Rutendo Nyeve
BULAWAYO is set to reclaim its status as a regional trade and logistics hub following the completion of major infrastructure works at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, which is now almost ready for use.
The developments are set to facilitate the seamless movement of cargo in and out of the city, a significant boost for the local economy and the broader southern African region.
The Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) has confirmed that the facility’s cargo-handling capacity has been significantly enhanced with the completion of key terminals.
In an interview with Zimpapers, ACZ public relations and communications manager, Mr Tonderai Mangombe, revealed that the works, which included the refurbishment of existing structures, are now complete.
“At the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, the cargo village is now almost complete,” said Mr Mangombe.
“The Mama Mafuyana Terminal is now complete and ready for use. It has been refurbished and is ready for use. It will be used by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and the National Handling Services. The other terminal, which is next to Mama Mafuyana, will be used by AGS and is also now ready.
“What we can say is that the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport is now ready to move cargo in and out of Bulawayo.”
The completion of the cargo village is a strategic intervention aimed at decongesting other ports of entry and positioning Bulawayo as a direct gateway for imports and exports.
The facility is expected to play a crucial role in promoting trade and the facilitation of goods and movement, aligning with the growing aviation sector in Zimbabwe.
By providing a dedicated, modern space for cargo handling, the airport will reduce the turnaround time for goods, thereby lowering business costs and enhancing the competitiveness of local industries.
The refurbished Mama Mafuyana terminal will house critical Government and handling agencies, including the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) and the National Handling Services (NHS), ensuring that customs clearance and cargo processing are streamlined under one roof.
The adjacent terminal, designated for AGS, will further complement these operations by providing additional handling capacity.
Economists and business leaders in Bulawayo have long advocated for the revitalisation of the airport’s cargo facilities, arguing that the city’s strategic location makes it an ideal distribution point for the region.
The completion of these works is, therefore, seen as a catalyst for economic revival, particularly for the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, which rely heavily on efficient export routes.
The development also underscores the Government’s commitment to modernising aviation infrastructure across the country.
As the aviation sector continues to grow, the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport is now well-positioned to handle increased traffic and contribute meaningfully to the national economy through enhanced trade facilitation.
The airport is expected to commence full cargo operations shortly, marking a new chapter in Bulawayo’s economic journey.
