New And Established businesses boost refurbished RGMIA
Operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development, the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) spearheaded the recent expansion of the international departures wing at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, transforming it into a vibrant hub for travellers.
The scope of ACZ:
ACZ manages and develops eight airports in Zimbabwe, namely Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Buffalo Range Airport, Victoria Falls International Airport, Kariba Airport, Masvingo Airport, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, Hwange National Park Airport, and Charles Prince Airport.
The organisation’s focus is on infrastructure development, safety, security, and commercial growth in collaboration with the Ministry to attract airlines and promote Zimbabwe as a regional aviation hub. They also oversee the commercial development aspect of domestic aviation, maximising non-aeronautical revenue by attracting commercial tenants to operate within the airport terminals. This includes restaurants, shops, duty-free stores, and other passenger amenities, enhancing the overall travel experience.
ACZ’s refurbishment of the international departures wing now boasts a variety of businesses catering to passengers, including lounges, restaurants, shops, travel agencies, and fi nancial institutions. This has seen the wing become a vibrant hub for travellers seeking comfort, convenience, and a touch of luxury before their flights.
AIR TANZANIA
Lounge, food and cafes operators:
Contributing to the vibrancy of the international departures wing are several businesses, including some of the country’s best lounges, including Khami Prestige Lounge, Vhakacha Lounge, Blueberry Lounge, Premium Luxury Lounge, The Lounge (Traverze) and Uhambo will be opening soon. All offering the opportunity for relaxation for the premium traveller before their next flight.
FASTJET
Restaurants like Café Nush, Corner Café, Vumba Coffee, Café Expresso, and Edge Café have their presence, all of which offer a welcome respite for travellers and airport visitors alike, providing a culinary experience that goes beyond the typical airport fare.
Catering being an important component of the aviation industry, Catercraft has been playing its role as the sole airline food supplier in Zimbabwe. The company also has branches in Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. It provides catering services for airlines, private charters, and contract catering.
AIRLINK
Transport, travel agency and fuel service providers: Passenger arrivals looking for a vehicle to rent out will have at their disposal several car rental companies, including Oasis Care Rental, Mwendo Travel & Tours, Murare Car Rentals, AVIS, Europcar, LED Travel and Tours (Car Rental), Impala Car Rental, Imperial Car Rental, Rockshade, EasyGo (CMED), Hertz, and Elite Car Hire.
AIR ZIMBABWE
LED Travel and Tours also has a travel agency at the airport, which complements the work of a similar player, Traverze Travel, a leading end-to-end leisure and business travel management company that has been in the business for some time.
The airport hosts regional and continental airlines such as Air Zimbabwe, SAA, Ethiopian, Air Tanzania, Kenya Airway, and Fastjet, as well as international ones like Qatar Airlines and Emirates. These play a crucial role in connecting their respective countries to regional, continental, and international destinations, including Zimbabwe, promoting tourism, and fostering economic growth. All these airlines, with their extensive network, modern fl eet, and focus on customer service, provide a reliable and comfortable option for travellers fl ying in and out of Zimbabwe.
FLYSAA
The duo of fuelling services companies, Zuva Petroleum and Puma Energy, are there to meet the needs of those looking to fi ll up before they drive off from the airport. While aviation fuel service providers are HAFS Airport, Zuva Petroleum, Puma/Sakunda Petroleum, and Total Zimbabwe. Emergency health services businesses have not been left out to occupy space at the airport, with names like Emergency Medical Rescue (EMRAS) and MARS taking care of the needs of those in need of their services throughout the clock.
Finance, mobile and technology operators:
Banks providing ATMs or other services are FBC, First Capital Bank, ZB Bank, Post
Office Bank, CBZ Bank, and Ecobank.
These banking services are complemented by a bureau de change, the Kwikforex Bureau de Change. The country’s three leading mobile operators, Econet Wireless, NetOne, and Telecel, are there to ensure communication convenience for travellers.
A subsidiary of Ecocash Holdings, Vaya Technologies is also among the businesses that have either completed projects or set up shop at the airport. This large corporation is driven by the purpose of democratising and improving access to the internet to enable the adoption of digital services across different sectors in Africa.
AIR NAMIBIA
Hygiene, beauty and book service providers:
Nemchem International keeps RGMIA spoteless.The company’s mission is to protect and care for people through the best hygiene, infection prevention, and cleaning solutions.
Beauty shops include Body Therapy, which offers various treatments for a diverse range of high-end clientele, and House of Langa Cosmetics, proud makers of a range of cosmetic products that look great and are 100% natural, vegan, healthy, and nutritious for the skin.
Still on beauty products, Aurex Jewellery is a retail outlet for a wide variety of hand-made and machine made jewellery. Items include several different kinds of chains in varying styles, colours, and carats, bangles, earrings, and bracelets. They also make cast products such as plain wedding rings, diamond or semi precious stones studded bridal jewellery, fashion jewellery, artefacts such as the Big Five animals, and more.
Moreda Leather Products creates Zimbabwe’s fi nest leather goods, each piece handcrafted with passion and representing the peak of Zimbabwean artistry.House of Books sells and delivers books across various destinations.
They have been a voice for both Zimbabwean and African-centred authors for some time. In addition to being a bookstore, they are also an active publisher of books.
Fastjet and Airlink are also within the new terminal for all your reservation and booking needs. Fly Safair ticketing and sales is amongst the other airlines ready to take you to your next local or international destination.
ACZ’s excellent customer service
Cargo companies:
Calling the airport home and being Zimbabwe’s leading aviation ground handling company, is National Handling Services (NHS). They handle passengers, cargo, and aircraft at all major airports in the country. Their services include baggage handling, check-in, ramp and security services, VIP lounges, and cargo warehousing.
Seasoned retailer Olga’s still occupies the same spot in the centre of the old international departure terminal that is also getting a facelift and it is now an exciting mix of businesses located either in the new international departures wing or outside.
ZimPost, Boss, Artlife, Rudland & George, Lavina’s Gift Shop & Liquorama, African Skies, Tisu Africa, Liam & Co., Car Safe, Treasures of Africa, TMT, M & N Duty Free, The Shrink Wrap, Little Perfume Shop, This Is Afrika, Ruth’s Sweet Shop, and more are also conveniently available.
With their unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and client satisfaction, Lift Tech Zimbabwe is poised to continue playing a pivotal role in the ongoing modernisation of Zimbabwe’s infrastructure, ensuring smooth operation and enhanced experiences for passengers at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and future ACZ projects.
“Drive Smart Car Rental, a Zimbabwean company, offers a variety of 24/7 car rental solutions to fi t most needs. They provide vehicles for short trips, extended rentals, airport transfers, and even special events. Their customisable plans ensure clients get the right car at the right price, with features like round-the-clock support and comprehensive insurance included. From individuals through corporate companies and government organisations to NGOs, Drive Smart aims to be a one-stop shop for all your car rental needs in Harare and beyond.”
Text by Martin Chemhere
