Government Seeks Cooperating Partners to Improve Aviation Sector Performance

By Alain Kabinda

Government has intensified efforts to improve the performance of Zambia’s aviation sector by seeking cooperating partners to help unlock greater returns from ongoing airport infrastructure investments.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement meeting with Helm Growth Advisors, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Fredrick Mwalusaka said the country is focused on strengthening air access development to increase traffic and improve the viability of upgraded airport infrastructure.

Eng. Mwalusaka said several airport upgrade projects currently underway across the country are part of a broader strategy to position Zambia for increased air travel and economic growth.

He noted that while some stakeholders have questioned the logic of investing heavily in aerodrome infrastructure when current passenger arrivals remain low, the government’s long-term approach is to prepare destinations for future demand.

He said the model is aimed at making the country ready for growth and attracting airlines through improved infrastructure and strategic planning.

Eng. Mwalusaka added that engaging a consultant with expertise in air access development is critical to ensuring that the investments translate into measurable sector performance and economic returns.

And James Milne, partner at Helm Growth Advisors, said the team is in Zambia to share expertise in airline business case development and targeted proposals aimed at strengthening the country’s air access strategy.

Mr. Milne said Zambia’s proposed Air Access Programme will require a structured governance process to drive both strategic direction and operational implementation.

He said the programme must operate through a central coordinating mechanism to ensure effective planning, data collection, and engagement with airline operators.

Mr. Milne further said Zambia Airports Corporation Limited will serve as the central coordinating institution for the Air Access Development Programme.

He said the corporation will be responsible for coordinating implementation, gathering aviation market data, and engaging with air carriers to attract new routes and strengthen connectivity.

The stakeholder engagement forms part of broader government efforts to modernize the aviation sector and maximize returns on recent airport infrastructure upgrades.

Government says improved air access is expected to stimulate tourism, trade, investment, and regional connectivity, contributing to Zambia’s wider economic development agenda.