by Gideon Madzikatidze/Simbarashe Sithole
HARARE – Zimbabwe’s air and aviation diplomacy got a major uplift this week as the country’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer Joy Makumbe, signed a series of Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) and Bilateral Air Service Agreements during a high‑profile international event.
The signings took place while Engineer Makumbe was leading a Zimbabwean delegation at the 25th International Civil Aviation Negotiation (ICAN) Event in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
During the ICAN conference, Engineer Makumbe inked MoUs with Argentina, Belgium, the Dominican Republic, Malaysia, and Ghana, alongside Bilateral Air Service Agreements with The Gambia and Ethiopia. These agreements are set to open up Zimbabwe’s airspace to more international airlines for passenger and cargo flights, while also promoting code‑sharing between foreign carriers and Zimbabwe’s domestic airlines.
“These agreements mark a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s aviation diplomacy, fostering greater connectivity and economic cooperation between Zimbabwe and our partner countries. We are excited about the new opportunities they will create for our airlines and the broader tourism and trade sectors,” Engineer Makumbe said following the signing ceremony event.
While in the Dominican Republic, the Zimbabwean delegation also held talks with South Africa and Egypt to address key concerns raised by airlines aimed at improving their operations. Additionally, in her discussions with the Dominican Republic, Engineer Makumbe called for the crafting of tourism packages between the two nations, stating this collaboration could greatly benefit and grow both countries’ tourism sectors.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister, Advocate Felix Mhona said the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Zimbabwe’s aviation sector as a key driver of economic development, with more investment earmarked for airport infrastructure, air connectivity and airline partnerships.
Advocate Mhona said the Government recognised aviation as a vital enabler of economic development, trade and tourism, and has therefore prioritised investment in airport expansion and modernisation.
He noted that in recent years, the Government had rolled out massive investments in major airports, including Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, Victoria Falls International Airport, and the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
“The Government of Zimbabwe has made a conscious decision to develop and enhance the country’s aviation infrastructure.
“This decision saw massive investments at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, Victoria Falls International Airport, and just recently at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport,” he said.
The minister highlighted that policy reform had been equally important in transforming the aviation landscape.
“The Government has also applied a comprehensive policy vision of the aviation sector, leading to Zimbabwe committing to the solemn declaration of the Single African Air Transport Market,” he said.