Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
THE Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) Pilot Implementation Project (PIP) Airshow, which is part of efforts to accelerate the liberalisation of air transport on the continent, is currently underway in Harare.
SAATM is a flagship African union project aimed at removing market access restrictions and permitting the free exercise of fifth‑freedom traffic rights across the continent.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona is presiding over the event, which is being attended by his deputy Joshua Sacco, African Civil Aviation Commission secretary-general Ms Adeyemi Adefunke, Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe board chairperson Mrs Nonkosi Ncube, CAAZ director general Mr George Mashababe, Air Zimbabwe chief executive officer Mr Edmund Murambiwa Makona, Airports Company of Zimbabwe chief executive officer Mr Tawanda Gusha, officials from Comesa, the African union and senior government officials.
The high-level aviation event brings together key stakeholders from the aviation, transport, trade, tourism, and related sectors to discuss ways to improve connectivity and strengthen regional integration.
The engagements will focus on aligning Air Service Agreements with continental frameworks, removing barriers to air connectivity, promoting partnerships among airlines and airports, and advancing SAATM implementation.
“The Airshow brings together key stakeholders from the aviation, transport, trade, tourism and related sectors to advance the liberalisation of air transport across Africa,” said the ministry.
The SAATM initiative is expected to enhance movement of people and goods across the continent while supporting growth in trade, tourism and investment.
The pilot project seeks to address challenges that have historically affected intra-African air travel, including restrictive bilateral air service agreements, limited route access and high operational costs.
The ministry said improved aviation connectivity would contribute towards sustainable economic development by creating opportunities for businesses and strengthening links between African countries.
The event comes as African countries continue efforts to operationalise SAATM, a flagship project under the African Union’s Agenda 2063 aimed at creating a single market for air transport services.
Zimbabwe’s hosting of the airshow follows the country’s participation in regional transport and infrastructure engagements, where ministers have been pushing for increased cooperation in aviation, digital transformation and climate-resilient infrastructure development.’
