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!!
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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.
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