Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE, through the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe(CAAZ), has joined other global aviation sectors in celebrating the International Civil Aviation Day, which is running under the theme: “Safe Skies & Sustainable Future for All”.
The theme speaks on three key pillars from the International Civil Aviation Organisations (ICAO) Strategic Plan for 2050, namely: Zero fatalities in international aviation from accidents and acts of unlawful interference; Net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 for international civil aviation operations, and; thriving, connected, accessible, inclusive, and affordable transport system for people and goods.
Zimbabwe is part of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which was created from the Yamoussoukro Decision of 1999, to liberalise African air transport through open skies, increased connectivity, and economic growth, removing restrictions on air traffic rights, and fostering an integrated African aviation market under the African union Agenda 2063.
It is also operationalising fifth freedom traffic rights for legacy airlines outside Africa, in line with its Open Skies Policy.
In a statement, CAAZ director general Mr George Mashababe said as part of its contribution to the ICAO Strategic Plan 2026 – 2050, the State, through CAAZ under National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2), has commenced the development of a State Safety Program (SSP) Implementation Plan which provides a clear roadmap for strengthening safety oversight and ensuring full compliance with aviation regulatory requirements.
“In line with global efforts to reduce aviation’s environmental carbon footprint, Zimbabwe is actively implementing its State Action Plan (SAP) for carbon emissions reduction and participating in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) program
“CORSIA focuses on mitigating the environmental impact of international aviation through carbon offsetting measures. Complementing these efforts, Zimbabwe is advancing its Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) initiatives,” he said.
He said through ICAO’s Assistance, Capacity-Building and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ACT-SAF), a feasibility study was done and a report published in 2023 which placed Zimbabwe as a huge potential for SAF production given its feedstock potential.
“Currently, a Business Implementation Plan is being finalised, paving the way for operationalisation of the SAF project,” he said.
“Zimbabwe is part of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which was created from the Yamoussoukro Decision of 1999, with the aim of liberalising African air transport for open skies, increased connectivity, and economic growth, removing restrictions on air traffic rights, and fostering an integrated African aviation market under the African union Agenda 2063.
“The State is also operationalising Fifth Freedom traffic rights for legacy airlines outside Africa, in line with its Open Skies Policy.”
He said CAAZ reaffirms its commitment and adherence to the ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), and to uphold the highest safety and security standards in all its regulatory functions.
“The organisation’s integrity framework is essential for ensuring accountability and transparency,” he added.
“The authority acknowledges and appreciates the growing compliance culture, and deliberate cooperation and collaboration by all stakeholders, as well as the huge appetite for collective decision making.”
