Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter
TRANSPORT and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona on Monday held high-level meetings with International Civil Aviation Organisation president Mr Salvatore Sciacchitano and Botswana’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr Noah Salakae, on the sidelines of the 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly in Montreal, Canada.
The assembly, attended by representatives of ICAO’s 193 member states and numerous international aviation institutions, is the organisation’s sovereign body and convenes every three years to set global policy.
This year’s session is expected to usher in a new council that will guide civil aviation priorities for the next triennium.
In his discussions with Mr Sciacchitano, Minister Mhona expressed Zimbabwe’s appreciation for his leadership, particularly in helping the global aviation sector navigate the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The two also reviewed Zimbabwe’s contribution during its outgoing tenure on the ICAO Council and explored opportunities for the country to participate in the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels as part of international efforts to decarbonise the industry.
The meeting also touched on strengthening the implementation of aviation standards to ensure safe and secure operations.
Mr Sciacchitano, in turn, thanked Zimbabwe for the warm hospitality extended during the ICAO Africa-Indian Ocean (AFI) Aviation Week, which Zimbabwe hosted in Victoria Falls from May 26–30, 2025.
The event brought together regional stakeholders to advance aviation safety, security, and sustainable growth.
He also commended Zimbabwe’s progress in liberalising its air transport sector, which he said was helping to boost tourism and attract new business.
Minister Mhona also met with his Botswana counterpart, Mr Salakae, to follow up on discussions initiated at the SADC Transport Ministers’ meeting held in Harare in February.
Central to their talks was the implementation of the Rail Tripartite Agreement involving Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Mozambique, a project aimed at improving rail connectivity, boosting trade and facilitating access to seaports for the two landlocked neighbours.
The ministers expressed satisfaction with progress made in resuscitating Zimbabwe’s rail services, many of which were disrupted during the Covid-19 period.
They also considered new prospects for air transport, including the possible launch of direct air services between Zimbabwe and Botswana to enhance connectivity for business and tourism.
The ministers further underscored the importance of finalising two outstanding agreements — a Bilateral Search and Rescue Agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding on aircraft accident investigation — which will ensure timely, coordinated and legally compliant responses to aviation emergencies.
The two agreed to reconvene in Harare, where Minister Mhona will host his counterpart for a review of Zimbabwe’s rail rehabilitation progress and, potentially, the signing of the pending air transport agreements if they are ready.
