Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
TRANSPORT and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona held a meeting with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) president, Mr Salvatore Sciacchitano on Monday on the sidelines of the 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly in
Montreal, Canada.
Minister Mhona also met with the Botswana counterpart, Minister Noah Salakae. The session, which is being attended by the ICAO’s 193 member states and many international aviation organisations, is expected to usher in the organisation’s new council, which
will look into the worldwide civil aviation policy for the upcoming triennium.
During the meeting with Mr Sciacchitano, Minister Mhona expressed appreciation for the exceptional stewardship of the President during his tenure, particularly in steering the industry out of the COVID-19 situation.
The two discussed the valuable contribution that Zimbabwe has made to the work of the council during its tenure, which was coming to an end and the opportunities that have opened up for Zimbabwe to participate in the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels,
ultimately contributing to aviation decarbonisation.
They also discussed work that needs to be done to improve the implementation of aviation standards.
Mr Sciacchitano also expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality he received during his visit to Zimbabwe when the country hosted the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Africa-Indian Ocean (AFI) Aviation Week, an annual event focused on
advancing aviation safety, security, and sustainable development in the Africa-Indian Ocean region.
The recent event was held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from May 26-30, 2025, bringing together aviation stakeholders to strategise and foster growth in the region’s aviation industry.
Mr Sciacchino said he was impressed by the evident progress Zimbabwe is making in liberalisation of air transport, which is supporting a vibrant tourism industry.
Meanwhile, his meeting with Minister Salakae focused on outstanding issues on the implementation of the Rail tripartite agreement between Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique, which is crucial for enhancing accessibility and promoting trade and noted with
satisfaction the progress Zimbabwe has registered in resuscitating rail services discontinued during the COVID-19 era.
They also discussed the need to work together on facilitating access to the port, noting that both countries are landlocked and would benefit from the initiative.
The two Ministers also shared news of exciting developments in air transport, which could potentially see the introduction of new air services between the two countries, to the benefit of their citizens.
They also discussed on the urgency of concluding and signing the Bilateral Search and Rescue agreement and an MoU on aircraft accident investigation, both of which will ensure efficient and legally compliant responses to any aviation incidents and accidents.
Minister Mhona and his Botswana counterpart agreed to convene again in Harare to have an appreciation of the progress made in Zimbabwe on the rail rehabilitation and possibly to sign the two outstanding air transport agreements, should they be ready for
signing.
