ZIMBABWE has extended its partnership with China Jiangsu International to further expand airport infrastructure and aviation workforce training, in a strategic move aimed at reinforcing the country’s growing role as a key Southern African air hub.
This renewed agreement builds on past collaborations that saw the modernisation of two major gateways — Victoria Falls International and Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airports. The upgrades significantly enhanced Zimbabwe’s handling capacity, cementing its position as a top entry point for safari-bound travellers across the region.
Passenger capacity gets a major lift
Victoria Falls International Airport, now fully revamped, can handle 1.5 million passengers annually — marking a dramatic 240 percent increase from its previous capacity. Meanwhile, Harare’s Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport has grown by 140 percent, with the two airports now offering a combined annual capacity of 7.7 million passengers.
These expansions are not only easing travel but also helping to support Zimbabwe’s ambitions as a gateway for multi-destination tourism. With more travellers choosing regional circuits that combine Zimbabwe with nearby countries such as Botswana, Zambia and Namibia, the country’s aviation infrastructure is playing an increasingly vital role in Southern Africa’s tourism economy.
Focus on skills to ensure long-term sustainability
Beyond bricks and mortar, the renewed agreement with China Jiangsu International includes a major focus on building local expertise. The new phase of collaboration will feature technical training programmes for Zimbabwean aviation professionals, aimed at ensuring sustainable operations and reliable service delivery across the airport network.
Government officials say this element of the partnership is critical to future-proofing the country’s aviation sector as passenger numbers grow and the demand for world-class standards rises.
‘This partnership not only enhances our physical infrastructure but also invests in our people — ensuring we can deliver a safe, efficient and future-ready aviation system,’ a senior official from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development said.
Supporting regional tourism ambitions
Zimbabwe’s renewed focus on aviation aligns with its broader strategy to boost tourism and trade. With improved airport facilities and a more skilled aviation workforce, the country is positioning itself as a natural hub for regional air travel — particularly for safari tourism, which remains a strong driver of visitor numbers.
The country’s upgraded air infrastructure also plays a critical role in supporting multi-country travel packages across Southern Africa — an increasingly popular choice among international tourists looking for varied experiences within a single trip.
As Zimbabwe continues to leverage strategic partnerships to fuel development, its latest move with China Jiangsu International signals an ongoing commitment to growth — both in infrastructure and in human capital.
