Zimbabwe aviation agreements ICAN 2025, Zimbabwe signed four memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and three bilateral air services agreements at the ICAO-hosted ICAN 2025 event in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, the Transport and Infrastructure Development Permanent Secretary, Engineer Joy Makumbe, told local press on 15 November 2025. The deals aim to liberalise airspace access, increase route connectivity and spur tourism and trade.
What happened and why it matters
At the 17th International Civil Aviation Negotiation Event (ICAN 2025, 10-14 Nov), Zimbabwe’s delegation negotiated state-level air transport arrangements and business-to-business meetings that produced initial agreements enabling new carriers and services to operate to and from Zimbabwe. These steps can lower regulatory barriers for airlines, expand capacity for passengers and freight, and support national economic objectives.
What ICAN does and what Zimbabwe signed (ICAN 2025)
ICAN is ICAO’s key forum for negotiating bilateral and regional air services agreements. It facilitates government-to-government talks and private sector matchmaking. Zimbabwe’s reported outcomes at ICAN 2025 include:
- Four MoUs covering initial frameworks for air services cooperation.
- Three bilateral agreements establishing country-to-country air services negotiations outcomes.
Permanent Secretary Joy Makumbe said the agreements will “facilitate more routes, flights and capacity” and support tourism and trade growth.
Timeline & quick facts
- ICAN 2025: 10-14 November 2025, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. ICAO programme and participating states list confirm event dates and agenda.
- Zimbabwe announcement: Statement reported 15 Nov 2025 by NewZimbabwe quoting Permanent Secretary Joy Makumbe; ministry also posted on social channels.
- ICAN function: Event commonly results in MoUs and bilateral air services negotiations/agreements across delegations (other states publicly reported MoUs at ICAN 2025).
What the agreements could change (air services agreements Zimbabwe)
- Market access: Bilateral air services agreements set the legal foundation for designated carriers to operate specified routes and frequencies. New pacts can allow Zimbabwean and partner carriers to launch services or increase frequencies.
- Cargo and trade: More routes and capacity can reduce freight costs and transit times, supporting exporters and just-in-time supply chains. Makumbe highlighted expected GDP and tourism benefits.
- Regulatory alignment: ICAN often leads to memoranda that harmonise technical and operational standards, paving the way for codeshares, interline arrangements and safety oversight cooperation.
Regional context & policy (airspace liberalisation)
- Yamoussoukro Decision & African liberalisation: Africa has long pursued liberalised air services (Yamoussoukro Decision) to encourage intra-African connectivity. ICAN supports state negotiations that align with these regional objectives. Increased bilateral ties can complement continental frameworks and ICAO standards.
- ICAO oversight: ICAO provides the negotiation platform and technical guidance; actual implementation requires national ratification and often regulatory alignment (CAA approvals, slot allocations, safety audits).
What’s Next? Industry outlook
- Short term (weeks–months): Expect publication of the MoUs’ partner lists and possibly initial airline announcements for new routes or frequencies. Ministries and civil aviation authorities must complete ratification and coordinate slots and safety audits.
- Medium term (6–18 months): New services may commence if carriers secure traffic rights and commercial plans; boosts in tourism and cargo capacity are possible but depend on economic viability.
- Long term: If Zimbabwe pursues a sustained liberalisation strategy and implements regulatory reforms, the country could see more inbound investment, improved cargo corridors and stronger regional integration.
Sources & attribution
- Alois Vinga, NewZimbabwe.com, “Zimbabwe inks high impact aviation agreements, frees up airspace”, 15 Nov 2025.
- ICAO, ICAN 2025 programme and participating states (ICAN2025 PDF).
- Zimbabwe Ministry of Transport & Infrastructure Development social post confirming delegation leader P.J. (Joy) Makumbe at ICAN 2025. X (formerly Twitter)
- Local follow-up reporting: Bulawayo24 summary of Zimbabwe signing four MoUs and three bilateral agreements.
- Examples of other states’ ICAN outcomes (Bahamas press release) showing typical ICAN outputs. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
