The Government of Zimbabwe has launched an ambitious nationwide programme to rehabilitate and modernise airports as part of a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure development strategy designed to strengthen air transport, promote tourism, and attract foreign investment.
Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona made the announcement during the 2025 Built Environment Conference and Expo, where he outlined a sweeping vision for transforming the country’s aviation and transport landscape. The plan includes upgrading Charles Prince Airport in Harare to full international status, constructing new airports in key regions, and realigning the operations of existing aviation hubs to improve efficiency.
“In the aviation sector, the government has embarked on an ambitious programme to rehabilitate and modernise airports to enhance air transport infrastructure, boost tourism, and attract investments,” Mhona said.
He explained that the newly refurbished Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (RGMIA) — which recently underwent a major expansion under a Chinese-funded project — will now be repositioned primarily for domestic and regional flights. The move, Mhona said, is part of a broader effort to streamline Zimbabwe’s air traffic management and maximise the use of available aviation facilities.
Among the key initiatives is the major expansion of Charles Prince Airport, located on the outskirts of Harare, which will soon be elevated to international status. Mhona said the airport’s transformation will make it one of the country’s most modern aviation hubs. “Charles Prince Airport is going to be an international airport. We are going to have one of our biggest airports at Charles Prince. Land has already been availed by government through the Airports Company of Zimbabwe to enable expansion,” he said.
Feasibility studies are already underway, and the project will feature extensive infrastructure upgrades, including the construction of three to four runways, modern passenger terminals, and improved cargo-handling facilities. The expansion is expected to ease congestion at RGMIA and position Harare as a dual-airport city capable of handling both domestic and international traffic efficiently.
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The government is also prioritising the development of Mutare International Airport and Kariba International Airport, both aimed at improving connectivity and stimulating tourism in the eastern and northern regions of the country. Kariba’s new airport, in particular, is expected to enhance access to the world-renowned Lake Kariba and surrounding wildlife destinations, making it a strategic anchor for the tourism sector.
Mhona said the aviation modernisation drive is part of a broader national transport strategy designed to transform Zimbabwe from a landlocked country into a land-linked regional hub. The strategy seeks to improve regional trade and strengthen Zimbabwe’s role as a key transit corridor in southern Africa.
Zimbabwe Embarks on Massive Airport Modernisation Drive to Boost Tourism and Investment
“Our concerted efforts in upgrading road infrastructure are now visibly manifesting through the strategic road corridors approach, with the North-South Corridor, the Beira Development Corridor, and the Limpopo Corridor anchoring connectivity as we position Zimbabwe as a key transit nation,” Mhona said.
He noted that the government’s transport reforms are focused not only on building new roads but also on modernising border posts, reducing transit times, and improving logistics efficiency. Key ongoing and upcoming road projects include the Beitbridge–Masvingo–Harare–Chirundu Highway, the 31.2-kilometre Christmas Pass Bypass in Mutare, and the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road rehabilitation.
In addition, the modernisation of Chirundu and Forbes border posts is expected to enhance cross-border trade, while the planned construction of four new highway interchanges around major cities will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.
Mhona underscored that the success of these ambitious projects would depend heavily on strong partnerships with the private sector. He urged investors to participate in the country’s infrastructure development through joint ventures and public-private partnerships (PPPs), highlighting the importance of commercial viability to sustain long-term growth.
“It is vital that we adopt a business-minded approach to infrastructure service provision,” the minister said. “Services must attract access fees that make infrastructure self-maintaining and sustainable. Without these commercial viability potentials, private capital might not be adequately attracted to the sector.”
Mhona reaffirmed that Zimbabwe’s geographic position gives it a strategic advantage in facilitating regional trade between southern and central Africa. By overhauling its transport and aviation systems, the government aims to unlock new opportunities for economic growth, increase tourism arrivals, and enhance competitiveness in the global marketplace.
“The government’s ongoing infrastructure modernisation efforts are not just about building roads and airports — they are about building economic resilience and creating a foundation for future prosperity,” Mhona said.
Experts say the modernisation of airports like Charles Prince and the construction of new facilities in Mutare and Kariba could dramatically improve Zimbabwe’s connectivity, attract more airlines, and boost passenger traffic. Improved aviation infrastructure, they argue, will also play a key role in revitalising the tourism sector, which has been identified as one of the pillars of national economic recovery.
As work begins on feasibility studies and procurement for the upcoming projects, stakeholders are optimistic that the initiative will mark a turning point in Zimbabwe’s journey toward becoming a regional transport and investment hub.
Source- Bulawayo24
