International Civil Aviation Day 2025
#FlyDay
Press Release: Celebrating the 26th Anniversary of the Yamoussoukro Decision Day
14 November 2025, Harare, Zimbabwe | The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) today joins the African civil aviation community in celebrating the 26th Anniversary of the Yamoussoukro Decision Day (YD Day), as set aside by the 29th Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 project, for the liberalization of scheduled and non-scheduled air transport services within Africa and with an overall aim of removing restrictions on traffic rights, capacity and frequency between city airports. On the sidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization Air Services Negotiation Event 2025 (ICAN2025), the Aeronautical Authority represented by the Secretary for Transport and Infrastructural Development, Eng Pedzisayi J. Makumbe participated at high-level panel discussions in celebration of the 26th Anniversary of Yamoussoukro Decision. In her presentation at the highest aviation decision making platform in the African continent, Secretary Eng. Makumbe, expressed appreciation on the robust policy thrust by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde Dr E. D. Mnangagwa of opening Zimbabwe for business reflecting the highest level of commitment towards the Open Skies Policy, promoting trade, investment and tourism. “Zimbabwe signed the solemn commitment towards full implementation of the Single Africa Air Transport Market in 2022, resulting in a significant increase in airlines flying into Zimbabwe, increased air traffic frequencies and improved airport capacity utilisation. As Government, plans are underway to construct a new airport in Mutare while Charles Prince Airport is earmarked for an upgrade to an international airport”, she said. The Secretary also shared the stage with ICAO President, Mr Salvatore Sciacchitano and seven other Ministers in charge of aviation in Africa who weighed in their insights and views on the need for integration, collaboration and cooperation among African States. The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) as the implementing agent for this 2063 African Agenda of integrating Africa through aviation is thrilled to be facilitating the review of Air Services Agreements to remove any form of market access barriers. Zimbabwe is expected to negotiate and put pen to paper on more than five agreements at this year’s aviation negotiation conference event. The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe Board, Management and Staff wish to thank and appreciate the Government and stakeholders including Airlines, Charter Operators, Airport and Aerodrome operators, Handling Companies, Freight Forwarding Companies and Agents, Aircraft Maintenance Organizations and tourism industry for the continued support in the operationalisation of SAATM and the expectation of positive prospects and enormous benefits at its full implementation across the entire value chain of travel and tourism. Open Skies Policy – Leaving no one and no place behind. Happy YD Day to you all!! _________________________________ENDS____________________________________ BACKGROUND The Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) came into force in July 2000, having been endorsed by the African Heads of State and Government in Lomé, Togo. The main objective of AU leaders was to improve the continent’s connectivity and integration through the liberalization of scheduled and non-scheduled air transport services in Africa, and the removal of all restrictions on traffic rights, capacity, tariffs and frequency between city-pairs for all African airlines. Despite the slow implementation of the Decision and the limited successes achieved by member States, the launch of Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) as the first flagship project of the AU’s Agenda 2063 on January 28, 2018, became a watershed for the full liberalization of African air transport. ABOUT CAAZ The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe was established in 1999 by an Act of Parliament, the Civil Aviation Act [Chapter 13:16], and took over the functions of the former Department of Civil Aviation under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development. Pursuant to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recommendations and best practices, the Authority was hived off Airport operations to a new entity through the Civil Aviation Amendment Act, 2018 [No. 10 of 2018]. In its new mandate, the Authority regulates the aviation industry and provides oversight of aviation safety and security, development of air transport and provision of air navigation services within Zimbabwe. The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe also advises the Government of Zimbabwe on all matters relating to domestic and international aviation. On the 4th of October 2022, at the 41st International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Assembly in Montreal Canada, Zimbabwe was elected as the SADC representative, into the ICAO Council under Part III category, giving Zimbabwe an opportunity to sit as part of the Council’s 36 member states, the highest decision-making body in aviation. www.caaz.co.zw
Business Update: Appointment of Mavis Musakasa as Director Flight Safety and Standards.
August 14, 2025, | Harare, Zimbabwe| The Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) is pleased to advise all aviation industry stakeholders and business partners of the appointment of Mrs. Mavis Musakasa as the substantive Director Flight Safety and Standards of CAAZ with effect from 05 August 2025. The appointment is in terms of Section 26 of the Civil Aviation Act [Chapter 13:16], with guidance on technical qualifications as provided by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 19 – Safety Management. Mavis is a seasoned aviation expert in aircraft maintenance, airport operations, airworthiness regulatory compliance, and safety oversight. She dedicated a decade of her career to the Air Force of Zimbabwe, working in the Engineering Directorate before joining the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) in 2008, as a Senior Airside Safety Officer. Her career took a growth trajectory as she progressed through various roles including Airworthiness Inspector in 2010, Senior Airworthiness Inspector in 2015 and Manager Airworthiness in 2022, a position she held until her recent appointment as Director Flight Safety and Standards. She has distinguished herself in both regional and international aviation activities, serving as a SADC Aviation Safety Inspector, where she has led several Technical Assistance Missions. Additionally, she is engaged with the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) as the rapporteur for the Airworthiness Expert Group and chairs the sub-group of the Airworthiness Working Panel. On the international stage, Mavis was successfully selected as a Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program (USOAP) Auditor Subject Matter Expert in Airworthiness. Mavis’ appointment not only leverages her extensive experience in international aviation but is also a significant step by the Authority towards achieving gender balance and equality. The appointment aligns with the Constitution of Zimbabwe’s Section 17 which emphasizes promotion of gender balance in all spheres of life and Section 52(2) which provides for equal rights, treatment, and opportunities in various aspects of society. The Authority is confident that her leadership will effectively drive its regulatory mandate, improve efficiency, and enhance Zimbabwe’s compliance status with International Standards and Recommended Practices, ultimately contributing to a more robust aviation landscape. CAAZ Management and Staff extend their heartfelt congratulations to Mavis and wish her great success in her new role. Inserted by: George Mashababe (Mr) CAAZ Director General
Business Update: Appointment of Mr. George Mashababe as CAAZ Director General
April 01, 2025, | Harare, Zimbabwe| The Board of Directors of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) is pleased to advise all aviation industry stakeholders and business partners of the appointment of Mr George Mashababe as the substantive Director General of CAAZ with effect from 01 April 2025. The appointment is in terms of Section 17 (2) of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10:31] and Section 24 of the Civil Aviation Act [Chapter 13:16]. The incoming Director General, an accomplished aviation expert with an aviation career which spans over 37 years, started at the Air Force of Zimbabwe in 1988 and later joined CAAZ in 2002 as an Airworthiness Inspector in the Directorate of Flight Safety and Standards. He rose through the ranks and file and was promoted to head the Directorate of Air Accidents and Serious Incidents Investigation (DAAII) in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development in 2020, a position he held until his appointment at CAAZ. He has served as Zimbabwe – ICAO Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA) Assistant National Continuous Monitoring Coordinator (ANCMC) and Zimbabwe Regulations Development Committee (REDCOM) Member, and represents Zimbabwe in the United Nations Aviation Specialized Agency: the ICAO Accident Investigation Group Panel (AIGP). He is a certified international expert for ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) Auditors and Coordinated Validation Mission Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in several audit scopes, among many other areas of expertise. Mr Mashababe holds a Master of Commerce in Business Administration from Great Zimbabwe University and a Bachelor of Business Leadership Degree from Calvary University. The Board welcomes Mr. Mashababe’s commitment to sustain a culture of continuous review of civil aviation policies and legislative frameworks, in line with ICAO prescribed Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), and together with Management and Staff, extend their congratulations to Mr Mashababe on his new appointment and wish him success in his new position. The Director General’s office: Email directorgeneral@caaz.co.zw | Tel: +263242585073-88 Inserted by: Rtd. Dep. Comm. Gen. Nonkosi M. Ncube CAAZ Board Chairperson
Press Statement: CERTIFICATION OF THE AVIATION TRAINING ACADEMY OF ZIMBABWE (ATAZ) BY ICAO
March 10, 2025, | Harare, Zimbabwe | The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) wishes to advise its business partners and stakeholders that the Aviation Training Academy of Zimbabwe (ATAZ) was officially awarded its TRAINAIR PLUS Certification – Bronze Member status, by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on the 12th of February 2025 during the Global Implementation Symposium Summit (GISS) in Abu Dhabi. The ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS certification is a prestigious globally recognized initiative and the award is a recognition by ICAO of institutions that meet internationally approved standards in competency-based training. To obtain this certification, ATAZ went through a rigorous three-phase assessment process including: This recognition by ICAO is testament to CAAZ’s unwavering commitment to excellence, safety, and capacity building in the aviation industry. The achievement marks a significant step in the quest for a modern, efficient, safe and secure aviation sector. This certification enhances ATAZ’s ability to attract local, regional and international trainees. Inserted by CAAZ Management ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ About the Aviation Training Academy of Zimbabwe (ATAZ) The Aviation Training Academy of Zimbabwe (ATAZ) is an institution under the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ). It was officially launched by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honorable Felix. T. Mhona, on 29 May 2023 as an Approved Training Organization (ATO) in accordance with S.I 80 of 2018 and ICAO Regulations. The academy is registered with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development as an independent training institution. It was established to address the following, among other things: Since its official commissioning in 2023, the academy has trained over 2000 aviation professionals in aviation related courses covering different areas such as freight/cargo, aviation security: quality and safety management systems, dangerous goods handling and many others. The Academy is already in advanced preparations to host its maiden ICAO TRAINAIRPLUS course scheduled for May 2025 as it continues to make strides to become a Regional Aviation Training Hub. __________________________________________________________________________________
Press Release: International Day Commemorating Air Crash Victims and Their Families
HARARE, ZIMBABWE | Thursday 20th of February 2025, marks the fourth anniversary of the “International Day Commemorating Air Crash Victims and Their Families”. The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) established the International Day Commemorating Air Crash Victims and their Families in 2022, in support of a proposal made by the Air Crash Victims’ Families’ Federation International (ACVFFI). During the fifth meeting of its 224th Session, the ICAO Council designated 20 February of each year as the International Day Commemorating Air Crash Victims and their families. Its aim is to provide governments and industry with a reminder of the obligation upon them to improve the care, resources and timely and comprehensive information that accident victims and their loved ones need following such tragic circumstances. Zimbabwe through the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) joins ICAO and other international partners to stand with the victims and families who were immensely affected by air disasters worldwide. ICAO audits all 193 contracting States to ascertain their safety and security oversight compliance capacity and Effective Implementation (EI) of the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS). In alignment with ICAO SARPS, CAAZ remains committed to enhancing aviation safety, security and ensuring the protection of passengers and crew. ICAO emphasizes the need for continuous improvements in safety measures, accident investigation protocols and effective communication with victims’ families. Key points The ICAO Council with the assistance of devoted representatives of victims and their families and the support of all applicable stakeholders, is guaranteeing continuous advocacy and attention for these important global priorities and helping States setting the regulatory framework through the provisions of the Convention on International Civil Aviation SARPS. Key infrastructure projects The Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development prioritises all matters relevant to the aviation industry including policies conducive for the development of a safe and secure air transport system in line with obligations of Zimbabwe under the Chicago Convention. To ensure an enabling environment for the development of air transport, improved airspace and air traffic management, CAAZ with support of the Government commissioned a number of key aviation infrastructure projects which include the following: As we reflect on the pain and sorrow experienced by families, friends and colleagues who have lost loved ones in air disasters, we reaffirm our commitment to enhancing aviation safety, security and ensuring the highest standards of operational integrity. As we observe this day, let us reaffirm our commitment to the highest standards of aviation safety, security and support for those affected by air disasters. END.
The Director General’s New Year Message
To our valued Stakeholders, Compliments of the season! The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) would like to thank its valued Stakeholders for the unwavering support, collaborations, and feedback in 2024. Thank you for all the interactions and engagements during workshops, exhibitions, and various events. As we make a touchdown, closing the year 2024, we look back and reflect, not only on the successes, milestones, and achievements but we also draw lessons from the challenges we faced along the way. Key Aviation Infrastructure Projects The Authority, with support from the Government of Zimbabwe, completed and commissioned the following key aviation infrastructure projects to further ensure improved airspace and air traffic management: This aviation infrastructure is key in creating an enabling environment for the development of air transport, and full implementation of the Open Skies Policy in line with the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) paving the way for the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Aviation Training Academy of Zimbabwe (ATAZ) In November 2024, the Aviation Training Academy of Zimbabwe (ATAZ) was audited by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and successfully attained the ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS – Bronze Member status as an Approved Training Organization (ATO). This is expected to upgrade the rating of ATAZ as an aviation academy spreading its wings as an ATO regionally and internationally. Air Transport Development As part of the Authority’s mandate of promoting and facilitating the growth of the aviation industry as guided by the National Development Strategy (NDS1), several Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with different States at the ICAO Air Services Negotiation (ICAN2024) conference and the following key outcomes were delivered: Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) In line with the collective global aspirational vision to reduce CO2 emissions in international aviation by 5% by year 2030, through aviation cleaner energy, a Feasibility Study was done in Zimbabwe by ICAO on its project on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), and the report noted that Zimbabwe holds the technical capacity to deploy the production of SAF and co-products, and that there are fourteen (14) potential feedstocks available in Zimbabwe for conversion to SAF. Following this report, CAAZ on behalf of the State, hosted the Aviation Environment Protection Workshop: ICAO-UK ACT-SAF Assistance Project to Zimbabwe for the Business Implementation Study on the Promotion of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). Results and recommendations of this study will be communicated in due course. Corporate Governance Compliance This year, CAAZ held two Annual General Meetings for the fiscal years ended 31 December 2020 and 2021 in September and December 2024 respectively in line with the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10:31]. The Authority has committed to finalise and bring up to date the legacy issue of outstanding audited financial statements and Annual General Meetings for fiscal years 2022, 2023 and 2024 by 30 June 2025. To help us improve our service to you esteemed Stakeholders and Business Partners, look out for and participate in the Customer Satisfaction Index surveys which are conducted from time to time. Your feedback is very important to us. On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, we look forward to a growth trajectory in air travel. Here’s to wishing you all a Happy and Prosperous 2025!!!
PRESS STATEMENT: FALSE ONLINE ARTICLES ALLEGING A PASSENGER AIRCRAFT ACCIDENTAT AN AIRPORT IN ZIMBABWE
29 December 2024, | Harare, Zimbabwe| The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe(CAAZ) has noted with concern false online articles which were published and circulated onthe internet, alleging a fatal passenger aircraft accident with 181 people on board at an airportin Harare today 29 December 2024. As the Regulatory Body for civil aviation, CAAZ wishes to categorically dismiss such news asfalse and, malicious with the intent of causing panic to the travelling public. No passengeraircraft crash has occurred within the Zimbabwean territory or airspace above it. The Public and all Stakeholders are advised that in the unfortunate event of aircraft incidentsor accidents, formal channels of communication shall be invoked in line with approved crisiscommunication protocols. Zimbabwe remains committed to upholding high standards for the purposes of ensuring thesafety and security of passengers, crew and cargo using the air transport system. Issued by: The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ)