ZIMBABWE PUSHES FOR GLOBAL AIR CONNECTIVITY AT ICAN 2025

Zimbabwe is actively seeking to expand its global air access and enhance economic growth as a high-level delegation, led by the Secretary for Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer P.J. Makumbe, participates in the 17th International Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN 2025). The prestigious conference, organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), is taking place in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, from November 10 to 14, 2025, and serves as the premier global platform for air transport negotiations.

The event was officially inaugurated on November 10th by H.E. President Luis Rodolfo Abinader of the Dominican Republic, setting a tone of high-level government commitment to facilitating global connectivity. ICAN 2025 has attracted vibrant participation from numerous countries, major international organizations, and leading civil aviation experts, all keen to shape the future landscape of international air travel.

The conference provides a critical, streamlined opportunity for countries to negotiate and finalize bilateral and multilateral air services agreements. These vital agreements are foundational to the global aviation industry, yielding significant benefits that extend far beyond the runways. They are essential mechanisms for delivering increased connectivity, stimulating economic growth, and fostering a more competitive market among carriers. By facilitating the establishment of more routes, increasing flight frequencies, and boosting overall capacity, these agreements have a direct and tangible impact on national economies.

For Zimbabwe, successful negotiations can lead directly to lower air freight prices, ensuring faster transportation for time-sensitive exports and imports. Crucially, increased air access provides a significant boost to tourism, trade, and general business activity—ultimately creating essential jobs and generating higher national GDP. The strategic objective for the Zimbabwean delegation is to unlock this economic potential by securing new direct connections to key global markets.

In pursuit of this goal, the Zimbabwean delegation has already initiated intensive bilateral air service negotiations with several strategically important countries. These partners include the host nation, the Dominican Republic, along with key Asian and European players such as Malaysia and Belgium. The outcome of these discussions is expected to pave the way for new air links that will enhance Zimbabwe’s position as a major regional hub and a more accessible international destination. The future of air transport for Zimbabwe is clearly focused on expansion and increased global integration.