HARARE, Mar. 4 (NewsDay Live) – Direct flights between Harare and London could soon resume following high-level talks between the Zimbabwean government and the United Kingdom aimed at boosting trade, tourism and investment, authorities said.
Finance minister Mthuli Ncube and British ambassador to Zimbabwe Peter Vowles met in Harare on Monday, where the possible revival of the route featured prominently in discussions on deepening economic cooperation.
Ncube described the restoration of the flights as a key step toward strengthening commercial and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
“We also explored prospects for reviving the Harare–London flights between the UK and Zimbabwe. Improved connectivity will further strengthen commercial relations and people-to-people ties,” he said.
The route, previously serviced by airlines such as British Airways and Air Zimbabwe, has been inactive for several years, forcing travellers to connect through regional hubs such as Johannesburg, Nairobi or Addis Ababa.
Its return is expected to reduce travel costs, boost tourist arrivals and create new opportunities for business partnerships.
“Our focus was on expanding investment opportunities for Zimbabwean and UK companies across both jurisdictions and ensuring that our economic partnership continues to grow in a mutually beneficial manner,” Ncube added.
Vowles welcomed Zimbabwe’s recent agreement with the International Monetary Fund on a new Staff-Level Agreement under a Staff-Monitored Programme, describing it as a significant step in the country’s reform process.
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“Zimbabwe’s recent agreement with the IMF on a new Staff-Level Agreement for a Staff-Monitored Programme is a key milestone in the ongoing arrears clearance and debt resolution process,” he said.
“The development demonstrates progress in Zimbabwe’s economic reform agenda and will help build international confidence.”
He also reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s health sector through multilateral institutions.
