By Desire Tshuma
HARARE — Africa must dismantle visa restrictions, taxes and protectionism to unlock the full benefits of the Single African Air Transport Market, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Hon. Adv. Felix T. Mhona has said.
Speaking at the official opening of the SAATM Pilot Implementation Project Airshow in Harare today , Minister Mhona said liberalising African skies is critical to achieving the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area and Agenda 2063.
“It is indeed a great honour and privilege to address you during this auspicious occasion of the Single African Air Transport Market Pilot Implementation Project Airshow,” Hon. Mhona told delegates gathered at the event.
The airshow, hosted by AFCAC and partners, brought together ministers, heads of regional economic communities and aviation stakeholders under the theme: “Acceleration of Air Transport Liberalisation in Africa to Improve Continental Connectivity and Integration.
Hon. Mhona said the SAATM was a key driver of continental integration, enabling the seamless movement of people, goods, services and investment.
“I have no doubt that this pilot project will enrich our collective aspirations and strengthen our determination to build an interconnected Africa as one of the critical enablers of the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said.
He noted that gatherings such as the airshow provide a platform to “share experiences, exchange ideas and strengthen cooperation among African nations” while reaffirming the resolve to eliminate policy, structural and regulatory barriers.
“There is indeed a lot of work to do and impediments to deal with along the journey. We must continue working towards the removal of barriers to connectivity, including visa and tax restrictions, to enable the free movement of people and unlock the full benefits of continental integration,” the Minister said.
Zimbabwe, which signed the Solemn Commitment to implement SAATM in 2022, has now implemented all eight SAATM Concrete Measures, including reviewing Bilateral Air Services Agreements to align with the Yamoussoukro Decision.
“The full implementation of SAATM remains of strategic importance to Africa’s socio-economic transformation through the adoption of compliant Bilateral Air Services Agreements. Member States can now eliminate unnecessary air transport restrictions and create an environment that enables African airlines to establish new direct routes,” Hon. Mhona said.
He cited data from the 2025 SAATM Implementation Report showing intra-African connectivity had grown from 14.5% in 2021 to 23% in 2025, largely driven by the expanded use of Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights.
Zimbabwe also reaffirmed support for the Lomé Ministerial Declaration of June 2026 on accelerating SAATM implementation.
To support liberalisation, Hon. Mhona said Zimbabwe has invested heavily in aviation infrastructure through Public-Private Partnerships.
The country has rehabilitated and modernised three major international airports: Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo, Victoria Falls International Airport, and Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
“The Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport project increased passenger handling capacity from approximately two million to 6.5 million passengers annually,” he said.
The government has also upgraded airspace management systems, including a Secondary Surveillance Radar System and Air Traffic Control systems, and is rolling out an Aeronautical Message Handling System to improve air navigation.
Hon. Mhona urged other member states yet to fully embrace SAATM to join, saying the time had come to dismantle barriers to African aviation growth.
“The time has come for us to dismantle the barriers that impede its success, including excessive protectionism, market access restrictions, and non-tariff impediments affecting the growth of African aviation,” he said.
“As we deliberate during this Airshow, let us not conduct business as usual. Rather, let us critically assess our progress and identify areas which require urgent attention, particularly the alignment of national development programmes with the aspirations of Agenda 2063.”
He closed by urging delegates to approach deliberations “with openness, innovation, and a spirit of collaboration” to build “modern, resilient, and efficient aviation infrastructure.”
The SAATM Airshow in Harare is part of AFCAC’s efforts to pilot the implementation of SAATM and demonstrate how liberalised air transport can boost trade, tourism and regional integration across the continent.