Zambia Pushes for Liberalised Air Connectivity in Line with African Single Market Vision
Zambia is intensifying efforts to modernise its Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs) with regional partners in line with the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a flagship initiative of the African Union designed to liberalise and integrate air travel across the continent.
Minister of Transport and Logistics, Mr Frank Tayali, said Zambia is engaging neighbouring countries and strategic partners, including South Africa, Botswana, Angola, Tanzania, Burundi, and Kenya, to incorporate provisions that promote liberalised market access, fair competition, and shared growth.
“These efforts aim to remove historical restrictions that limit connectivity. We fully support a vision of Africa where African airlines dominate African skies, where passengers can travel directly between African capitals without detours through Europe or Asia, and where secondary cities are connected efficiently,” Mr Tayali said.
The Minister, who was represented at the African Council of International Airports (ACI) Conference by Ministry Director of Transport, Nkumbu Siame, noted that improved connectivity demands investment not only in airports and runways but also in navigation systems, cargo handling, ground services, regional partnerships, and modern aircraft.
He highlighted Zambia’s recent infrastructure investments, including the commissioning of Terminal 2 at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, the new Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola, and ongoing upgrades to provincial airports.
“Unfortunately, intra-Africa air connectivity remains underdeveloped. Currently, it is easier to fly from Lusaka to London than to Bangui or Bissau. This must change. Interconnectivity is not a luxury, it is a necessity,” Mr Tayali stressed.
Also addressing the conference, ACI Secretary-General, Mr Ali Tounsi, underscored the impact of the African Airports Development Programme, which has already trained over 2,500 aviation professionals through more than 200 courses, one-third of which were offered free of charge.
He added that sustainability efforts, including the SACOS digital platform piloted in Zambia, are enhancing safety oversight and preparing airports for a net-zero future.
Former ACI President and Chairman of Mozambique’s Civil Aviation Institute, Mr Emanuel Chaves, congratulated the newly elected President of ACI Africa, Mr Fabrice Grondin of La Réunion, praising his vision and commitment to advancing the sector.
The conference, held under the theme “Powering African Airports for Strategic Growth”, brought together aviation leaders and stakeholders to explore pathways for stronger interconnectivity, competitiveness, and sustainable growth across Africa’s skies.
