Bunjiwe Mkwananzi
Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
ZIMBABWE will host the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) Pilot Implementation Project (PIP) Airshow from July 9 to 10 in Harare as part of efforts to accelerate the liberalisation of air transport on the continent.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development said the high-level aviation event will bring together key stakeholders from the aviation, transport, trade, tourism and related sectors to discuss ways of improving connectivity and strengthening regional integration.
In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the ministry said the engagements will focus on aligning Air Service Agreements with continental frameworks, removing barriers affecting air connectivity, promoting partnerships among airlines and airports, and advancing the implementation of SAATM.
“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.
