Zimbabwe reviews air service agreements to dismantle protectionism in African aviation
via NewsDay Zimbabwe7 min read
Zimbabwe is reviewing its bilateral air service agreements with other African nations to attract more airlines and boost trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area AfCFTA. This policy shift, announced by Transport and Infrastructural Development minister Felix Mhona, aligns with the continent-wide push for the Single African Air Transport Market SAATM, which aims to create a single aviation market by removing restrictions on competition among African carriers. The reforms signal Zimbabwe's move from tightly controlled bilateral agreements to a more open market, allowing airlines to expand routes and increase frequencies. Mhona emphasized the need to dismantle barriers such as excessive protectionism and market access restrictions. Zimbabwe is ensuring its agreements comply with the Yamoussoukro Decision, an African Union framework for liberalizing air transport. Officials believe these reforms will make Zimbabwe a more attractive destination and strengthen its position as a regional aviation hub. This policy overhaul follows significant public investment in aviation infrastructure, including the expansion of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Victoria Falls International Airport, and Joshua Nkomo International Airport. The expansion of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport increased its annual passenger handling capacity from two million to 6.5 million. By liberalizing market access, Zimbabwe aims to improve commercial returns on these investments and
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe has commissioned a specialized honey testing laboratory to enhance its export competitiveness. In other news, Caledonia Mining received notification from BlackRock regarding an increased interest in the company. ART operations were impacted by power outages and raw material shortages, with exports and paper division volumes declining by 6% and 26% respectively in the third quarter to June 2022. The Bulawayo council warned of a 10-day water supply disruption, and the High Court blocked an illegal office park development in Borrowdale Estate. Harare reportedly lost over US$1 million in suspicious break-ins. Additionally, Zimbabwe plans to translocate zebras, giraffes, and hyenas to Equatorial Guinea.
Thousands of Japanese kei cars, including models like the Suzuki Wagon R and Nissan Dayz, are increasingly common in Zimbabwean cities such as Harare, Bulawayo, and Mutare. These ultra-compact vehicles, priced between US$6,500 and US$8,500, are favored by budget-conscious commuters, young families, and e-hailing drivers due to their exceptional fuel efficiency, often exceeding 20 kilometers per liter. For many, these cars offer an essential economic lifeline in a turbulent economy with fluctuating fuel prices. For example, one commuter noted a significant reduction in weekly fuel expenses after switching to a Suzuki Wagon R. However, a debate has emerged among motorists and road safety experts regarding the safety implications of these vehicles. Kei cars are designed under Japanese domestic regulations for low-speed urban commuting, featuring thin body panels, minimal crumple zones, and lightweight structural frames. Automotive safety analyst Michael Chideme warns that these vehicles offer little protection in collisions with larger vehicles on Zimbabwean highways, potentially leading to fatal outcomes. Older or base-model imports often lack modern safety features like Electronic Stability Control and advanced traction control, making them prone to rollovers due to their high center of gravity and short wheelbase. Opponents argue that spending an additional US$1,500 to US$2,000 for a sturdier used hatchback or sedan, such as a Toyota Vitz or Honda Fit, offers a safer investme
Zimbabwe is planning to translocate zebras, giraffes, and hyenas to Equatorial Guinea. In other news, fuel prices have marginally decreased, and Old Mutual is returning to Zimbabwe's capital markets via VFEX after a six-year suspension. Harare has reportedly lost over US$1 million in suspicious break-ins. ZMX is seeing rising confidence with trades reaching US$1.28 million. BlackRock, a US-based investment manager, has scaled up its interest in Caledonia Mining, notifying the company of crossing a reporting threshold. Political tensions at grasslands plots have led to violent attacks and forced evictions. Power outages and raw material shortages have impacted ART operations, with exports and paper divisions seeing volume declines of 6% and 26% respectively in the third quarter to June 2022. Zimbabwe has also commissioned a specialized honey testing laboratory to boost export competitiveness.