Story by Tichaona Kurewa
THE Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) has announced plans to develop special economic zones around major airports in the country, starting with the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare.
This strategic move aims to stimulate economic growth, attract foreign investment, and enhance Zimbabwe’s position as a regional trade hub.
ACZ has since submitted plans to relevant authorities for approval with works expected to begin next year.
“We want to create a free zone where the airport and surrounding areas become attractive for investment. Our intention is to promote the development of logistics parks so that there is a movement of goods in and out of the country through that special economic zone. We want to promote the development of cargo. We want people to use air cargo,” said ACZ CEO, Mr Tawanda Gusha.
Engagements with airliners are also underway for them to take up the space at the Special Economic zones.
“So in the same vein, we will then be approaching – we have already started approaching airlines with our plans to bring in more freighters, that is, cargo planes, that will then be taking the cargo out of the country and bringing the cargo into the country in line with the developments that we envisage around the airport,” he added.
Facilities to be set up include cargo villages, aero-cities with auxiliary services such as hotels, shopping malls and theme parks.
“When there is activity around the airport and when there is increased business around the airport, obviously that is all contributing to the greater economic development in line with the provision of the National Development Strategy 1 and also of course in line with Vision 2030. What we are envisaging is employment creation around the special economic zone, a lot of trade around the special economic zone, which has got downstream effects on the greater economy of the country and even the region,” explained Gusha.
The special economic zone will offer a range of incentives and benefits to businesses, including tax breaks, streamlined customs procedures, and access to world-class infrastructure.
