Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), during a courtesy call by African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) Director for Air Transport, Getachew Alemayehu, in Harare, yesterday.
Welcoming the AFCAC delegation, Prof. Murwira said Zimbabwe was honoured to host the engagement, describing SAATM as a strategic programme that aligns with the country’s constitutional commitment to international cooperation.
“We are grateful to AFCAC for bringing this important continental engagement to Zimbabwe. Our participation in this initiative is firmly anchored in Section 12(2) of the Constitution, which provides the framework for Zimbabwe’s international cooperation and engagement with other nations,” he said.
He said the implementation of SAATM would unlock significant economic opportunities by improving the movement of people, goods and services across Africa.
“SAATM is a vital enabler of economic diplomacy. Improved air connectivity directly translates to lower travel costs, expanded tourism, enhanced cargo movement, increased foreign direct investment and job creation. These are all essential ingredients for the dignity, prosperity and sustainable development of African societies,” Prof Murwira said.
He added that Zimbabwe remains fully committed to advancing Africa’s aviation integration agenda, adding that the initiative is central to achieving the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the objectives of the Yamoussoukro Declaration on the liberalisation of air transport.
“We believe stronger air connectivity will strengthen intra-African trade, deepen regional integration and create new opportunities for businesses and citizens across the continent,” he said.
Meanwhile, Alemayehu also commended Zimbabwe for embracing economic diplomacy and promoting business integration.
“We commend Zimbabwe for its commitment to economic diplomacy and business integration. We encourage the Government to continue prioritising civil aviation as a strategic pillar for economic growth, particularly through the implementation of the African Union Free Movement Protocol, to which Zimbabwe is a signatory,” said Alemayehu.
The visit comes soon after Cabinet announced that Zimbabwe is ready to launch direct flights between Harare and London, a development expected to strengthen international connectivity.
The engagement is seen as further evidence of growing continental confidence in Zimbabwe’s aviation sector and its engagement and re-engagement policy, as the country positions itself as a regional transport and investment hub.
