GOVERNMENT is accelerating efforts to rebuild its global economic ties after years of diplomatic and financial isolation, signing a sweep of international aviation agreements aimed at opening its skies, restoring confidence and reconnecting the country to major world markets.
At the 25th International Civil Aviation Negotiation (ICAN) summit in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, a delegation led by Transport and Infrastructural Development permanent secretary Joy Makumbe concluded a series of air service agreements and memoranda of understanding with seven countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.
The deals — signed with Argentina, Belgium, Malaysia, Ghana, the Dominican Republic, The Gambia and Ethiopia — will grant foreign airlines greater access to Zimbabwe’s airspace for both passenger and cargo operations.
The agreements pave the way for direct routes, code-sharing partnerships and expanded tourism and freight capacity, as well as represent one of the most extensive rounds of aviation diplomacy undertaken by Zimbabwe in more than a decade.
Makumbe said the negotiations marked a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe’s re-engagement campaign.
“The event, being held from November 10 to 14, 2025, has seen vibrant participation from numerous countries, international organisations and civil aviation experts.
“As the foremost global event for air transport negotiations, ICAN serves as the main international platform for discussing and negotiating air transport matters in line with the sector’s rapid developments.
“It also provides a key opportunity for countries to negotiate bilateral and multilateral air services agreements.”
- Zim throws open its skies in global trade push
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The government sees the agreements as essential to shedding Zimbabwe’s lingering pariah image and positioning the country as a competitive regional logistics and investment hub.
After years of turbulence — marked by hyperinflation, sanctions, capital flight and the withdrawal of major carriers — Harare is now trying to re-establish itself within global value chains as it pursues fiscal reform, currency stabilisation and renewed investor engagement.
Aviation analysts say the country’s push reflects a broader strategy to reconnect with global markets after two decades of shrinking air links.
Makumbe said the new agreements were expected to unlock economic activity across multiple sectors.
“Concluding air services agreements offers benefits such as increased connectivity, economic growth, and a more competitive market,” she said.
“These agreements facilitate more routes, flights, and capacity, which can lead to lower prices for air freight and faster transportation.
“They also support the tourism sector and boost trade and business activity, creating jobs and generating higher GDP.”
The agreements open direct air corridors to major markets in Europe, West Africa, Asia and South America — cuts that could significantly reduce transit times and freight costs for exporters.
Belgium, Malaysia and Argentina are seen as especially important for horticulture, minerals and high-value agricultural exports requiring fast and reliable transit to distant markets.
Zimbabwe’s engagement with Ethiopia is regarded as a strategic coup.
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most efficient carrier, could integrate Zimbabwean airports into its Addis Ababa hub, connecting Harare and Victoria Falls to more than 60 international destinations while improving access for cargo exporters.
New arrangements with The Gambia and Ghana bring strategic access to West Africa’s fast-growing aviation market, supporting intra-continental trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Tourism, which contributes roughly 12% of GDP, has not fully recovered from the shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic or Zimbabwe’s image problems in Western markets.
Officials say opening direct routes to emerging markets in Asia and Latin America may help diversify tourism inflows at a time when traditional European markets remain subdued.
Government officials also view the aviation diplomacy as part of a broader financial rehabilitation effort.
Stronger air connectivity is expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s case in negotiations with investors and lenders, signalling regulatory stability and a renewed openness to business.
For a country still working through debt distress, currency volatility and limited access to international capital, officials argue that such signals are vital.
The ICAN summit — the premier global platform for aviation negotiation, hosted annually by the International Civil Aviation Organization — drew representatives from more than 90 countries.
For Zimbabwe, which last signed a major air service agreement in 2019, this year’s high-level presence and the flurry of deals underline its intensified diplomatic push.
However, Air Zimbabwe, the national carrier, continues to struggle following years of mismanagement, mounting losses and an aging fleet.
Sector-wide headwinds persist, including high fuel costs, airport inefficiencies and recurring foreign-currency shortages.
Government officials say ongoing reforms, including the modernisation of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, are critical to making Zimbabwe a viable aviation hub.
Makumbe struck an optimistic tone as the negotiations concluded.
“Every flight that lands or takes off represents progress,” she said.
“We are rebuilding connections that support our people, our businesses and our standing in the world.
“For Zimbabwe, this is the new frontier.”
