Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
Government officials, aviation industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, investors and private sector executives are currently attending the Zimbabwe Aviation Development and Taxation Forum, engaging in strategic discussions on the future of Zimbabwe’s aviation sector.
The key focus areas include policy development, taxation, competitiveness, infrastructure growth and investment opportunities aimed at enhancing the aviation industry’s contribution to national economic development.
In his speech, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Advocate Felix Mhona, commended the organisers for convening this important platform that brings together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders and other stakeholders to deliberate on the future of Zimbabwe’s aviation industry.
“As you may be aware, the discussions, which will dominate here come at an opportune moment as Zimbabwe continues to position aviation as a strategic enabler for economic transformation under Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2,” he said.
“We can now affirm that aviation is no longer merely the movement of passengers and cargo but has now become a catalyst for trade, tourism, investment, regional integration and job creation, all at the same time.
“Indeed, aviation has become so integral to the economy that its challenges are matters of national interest.
“To give credence to this fact, Government policy is to continue to prioritise the modernisation of aviation infrastructure, improve safety oversight, market liberalisation and deepen connectivity throughout the entire aviation ecosystem.”
Minister Mhona said over the past few years, the Government has invested significantly in upgrading its three international airports, namely Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, Victoria Falls International Airport and most recently, the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, thereby strengthening aviation safety and enhancing regulatory systems.
He said these investments have improved Zimbabwe’s capacity to accommodate growing passenger and cargo traffic while ensuring compliance with international aviation standards.
“This has also shown that our commitment to modernising the sector continues to be unwavering as we realise the benefits brought about by aviation to the nation,” he said. “However, we also take note that aviation infrastructure alone is not enough for Zimbabwe to become a preferred aviation hub, as it requires us to also create an operating environment that is competitive, predictable and attractive to investment in aviation.
“This brings us to the important subject of taxation. Government appreciates that taxes and aviation charges play a critical role in financing infrastructural development and supporting public services.
“At the same time, we recognise that the level and structure of taxes can influence airline decisions, passenger demand, tourism competitiveness and cargo movement. Our challenge, therefore, is to strike a balance—one which ensures that there is sustainable revenue generation which comes without undermining the competitiveness of our aviation industry.”
He said the forum would provide them with an opportunity to exchange ideas and develop practical recommendations that support both fiscal sustainability and aviation industry growth.
