Online Reporter
Welcome to our live coverage of the 10th Edition of the African – Indian Ocean Aviation Week (AFI Week) from May 26 to May 31, 2025, at the Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls. The event is being hosted by Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Hon F.T Mhona.
This prestigious event will feature high-level participation, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council President Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano, the ICAO Secretary General Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, and other Ministers responsible for aviation. It is anticipated that His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde. Dr. E.D Mnangagwa will officially inaugurate the proceedings.
The AFI-Week will gather 54 member States Director Generals and Heads of Civil Aviation Authorities from across Africa, along with government representatives from partner states, international and regional organizations, aviation stakeholders, and industry professionals. Approximately 300 foreign delegates, primarily from African and non-African nations, and 200 local delegates are expected to attend.
The ICAO Aviation AFI Week is designed to enhance aviation safety, security, and facilitation within the Africa-Indian Ocean (AFI) region. Additionally, the AFI-Week seeks to formulate strategies aimed at advancing the aviation sector in the area. The conference will address various initiatives pertinent to Africa, share success stories and challenges, and establish relevant strategies to further improve aviation performance throughout the region.
Zimpapers Reporter, Rutendo Nyeve will be giving live updates while Chief Photographer Eliah Saushoma will be giving us visuals.
Vice President Mohadi to preside over AFI Aviation week
THE tenth edition of the Africa-Indian Ocean (AFI) Aviation Week 2025 conference has commenced in Victoria Falls, where Vice President Kembo Mohadi is expected to preside over it’s official opening on Monday afternoon.
The event, hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, is a key meeting point for aviation leaders, policymakers, and experts fromAfrica-Indian Ocean region.
More than 400 local and international delegates are participating at the conference.
The Zimbabwean Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Felix Mhona, President of the ICAO Council Mr Salvatore Sciacchitano, and ICAO Secretary General Mr Juan Carlos Salazar are some of the keynote speakers of the conference.
On Monday morning, Director Generals of Aviation authorities across the region received and deliberated on the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) progress report since the last DGCA/9th AFI Week meeting as well as the performance status – ICAO Report that included all ICAO strategic objectives.
Zimbabwean economy absorbs global shocks, resilience to spur economic growth – RBZ
The central bank has expressed its commitment towards implementing stabilisation measures and the de-dollarisation roadmap aimed at fostering macroeconomic stability and sustainable growth.
This was revealed by the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), Dr Innocent Matshe, while addressing delegates at the recently held Zimbabwe Annual Mining Conference in Victoria Falls.
Dr Matshe said the mining industry plays a critical role in implementing stabilisation measures and the de-dollarisation roadmap.
“The global economy is characterised by greater uncertainty due to heightened geopolitical tensions, newly imposed trade measures, and escalating trade wars. These factors have led to revised global GDP growth projections downward to 2.8 percent in 2025 and 3 percent in 2026, with inflation expected to decline to 4.3 percent and 3.6 percent, respectively,” said Dr Matshe.
The Deputy Governor said the adverse effects of these global dynamics on Zimbabwe include lower commodity prices for most minerals (except gold), reduced capital inflows, and persistently high global interest rates.
“Global financial conditions remain tight, as advanced economies adopt a cautious approach to reducing interest rates, and this poses challenges for developing nations like Zimbabwe,” said Dr Matshe.
Despite these global headwinds, Dr Matshe expressed optimism about the nation’s domestic economy, describing it as resilient and poised for growth.
He said the economy is projected to expand by 6 percent in 2025, driven largely by agriculture (21.1 percent) and mining (2.9 percent).
“The mining sector continues to be a cornerstone of our economic stability because of its pivotal role in foreign exchange generation,” said Dr Matshe.
In 2025, the mining sector contributed US$1,402 million in foreign exchange inflows during the first quarter, a significant increase from US$1,088 million in the same period in 2024.
However, Dr Matshe acknowledged a decline in the sector’s contribution to total foreign exchange inflows from 49.5 percent in 2023 to 44.3 percent in 2024, attributing this to falling international commodity prices.
Dr Matshe said the mining sector further plays a role in stabilising the Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG) currency and supporting the de-dollarisation roadmap.
“The foreign currency generated through surrender requirements and in-kind royalties from mining is critical for liquefying the interbank market, meeting Government FX obligations, and building reserves to support de-dollarisation by 2030,” said Dr Matshe.
He urged miners to increase procurement in ZWG and source locally produced goods and services to bolster demand for the domestic currency.
“Sustainable de-dollarisation requires a collective effort. The mining industry can significantly contribute by embracing the use of ZWG in transactions,” said Dr Matshe.
He outlined the pillars of successful de-dollarisation, drawing lessons from other countries with durable macroeconomic stability, adequate foreign reserves, a sustainable fiscal position, and increased demand for the local currency.
“Since the introduction of the structured currency in April 2024, we have made significant strides,” he said.
Turning to the parallel market premium, Dr Matshe said it has been contained at around 20 percent, and the Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) shows no significant over- or undervaluation of the ZWG.
He said the RBZ’s reserves now fully cover ZWG reserve money and deposits in the banking sector, providing a buffer against external shocks.
Transactional use of ZWG has risen from 26 percent in April 2024 to over 36 percent by April 2025, driven by Government measures such as higher tax payments in ZWG and the rollout of Point-of-Sale (POS) machines.
Dr Matshe projected a continued decline in inflation, with month-on-month rates expected to average below 3 percent in 2025 and annual inflation falling to around 30 percent by December 2025.
“The Reserve Bank remains committed to implementing sound monetary policies to anchor inflation expectations and sustain confidence in the ZWG,” said Dr Matshe.
He reiterated the need for a balanced approach:
“Our monetary policy stance must delicately navigate between reducing inflation and supporting robust economic growth, particularly in key sectors like mining,” said Dr Matshe.
Vice President Mohadi arrives in Victoria Falls to officiate AFI Week opening ceremony
Vice President Kembo Mohadi has arrived at a local hotel in Victoria Falls to preside over the official opening of the AFI Week programme.
He was received by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Felix Mhona, Deputy Ministers Joshua Sacco and Brigadier (Retired) Levi Mayihlome, Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) acting director-general Mr George Makarudze, among other senior Government officials.
The high-profile event, organised by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwe’s aviation sector.
In attendance are global aviation leaders, including ICAO President Mr Salvatore Sciacchitano and ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar, alongside delegates from across the African continent and beyond.
The opening ceremony will feature a packed agenda including keynote addresses and the signing of a landmark Management Service Agreement between the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe and ICAO.
Vice President Mohadi is expected to deliver the guest of honour’s speech, highlighting Zimbabwe’s commitment to advancing aviation infrastructure and regional cooperation.
After the formal proceedings, delegates will tour an exhibition showcasing innovations in aviation technology and services.
Zimbabwe continues to modernise its aviation sector
ZIMBABWE has registered significant strides in modernising its aviation sector with several institutional reforms, infrastructure upgrades and enhanced safety systems positioning the country as a regional leader in air transport.
These achievements were revealed on Monday by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development Engineer Joy Makumbe during the ongoing AFI Aviation Week conference in Victoria Falls.
Eng Makumbe said the successful unbundling of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) has been a major milestone in streamlining operations and improving efficiency.
“We have established the Airports Company of Zimbabwe as a standalone entity while also creating dedicated departments for Accidents Investigation and Serious Incidents
“These reforms are now enshrined in our aviation laws and regulations, ensuring robust oversight and compliance with international standards,” said Eng Makumbe.
She said infrastructure development has been a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s aviation transformation.
“The modernisation of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare has significantly increased its capacity from handling 2.5 million passengers annually to 6 million.
“Similarly, the Victoria Falls International Airport has undergone a major expansion, tripling its capacity to accommodate growing tourism and regional air traffic,” said Eng Makumbe.
She said these upgrades are critical in positioning Zimbabwe as a key aviation hub in Southern Africa.
To enhance flight safety and operational efficiency, Zimbabwe has invested in cutting-edge navigation technology.
“The installation of Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) and Doppler Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range ( DVOR) systems at major airports ensures precision in aircraft navigation.
“Additionally, the country has modernised its Aeronautical Information Systems, revamping messaging and data infrastructure to align with global aviation standards,” said Eng Makumbe.
In a major boost for human capital development, Eng Makumbe said the Aviation Training Academy of Zimbabwe has received accreditation from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
“This milestone allows us to train not only local aviation professionals but also attract students from across Africa,” said Eng Makumbe.
She said Zimbabwe also demonstrated its commitment to global aviation security by joining the ICAO Public Key Directory (PKD) on 14 September 2022.
The system enhances the verification of electronic travel documents, reducing fraud and improving border security.
“Our participation in the PKD reflects Zimbabwe’s dedication to upholding international aviation security standards,” said Eng Makumbe.
