Zambia Celebrates International Civil Aviation Day with Focus on Innovation and Growth
Zambia joined the global aviation community today in marking International Civil Aviation Day, with government and industry leaders highlighting the nation’s progress in safety oversight, modernisation, and regional connectivity.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Frank Tayali MP, said this year’s theme, “Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development”, aligns with Zambia’s vision of strengthening the aviation sector as a driver of economic growth, tourism, and trade.
He described aviation as a “strategic artery” for national development and commended improvements in infrastructure and regulatory oversight.
Hon. Tayali emphasised the government’s commitment to equipping the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) with modern digital tools to enhance safety oversight and sector performance.
He also noted the potential of air cargo growth to transform airports into economic hubs and reaffirmed Zambia’s support for open skies under the Single African Air Transport Market initiative.
Earlier, Civil Aviation Authority Director General, Captain Derrick Luembe, outlined the regulatory gains achieved over the past year, including enhanced surveillance, increased safety audits, and strengthened alignment with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
He credited these improvements to the dedication of CAA staff and close collaboration with industry partners.
Captain Luembe further highlighted developments in the drone sector, including expanded licensing, increased surveillance, and the establishment of a dedicated Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) unit.
He said the CAA will prioritise digital transformation, capacity building, cybersecurity readiness, and stakeholder engagement, stressing that “aviation safety is a shared responsibility.”
The commemoration brought together the CAA, airlines, airports, aviation training institutions, the Aircraft Accidents Investigations Board, the Zambia Air Force, and other industry stakeholders. The event reinforced Zambia’s collective commitment to fostering innovation, ensuring safety, and building a future-ready aviation industry.
