Report Land-Linked Zambia© : Conference & Exhibition 2022
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Workshop 4 Transforming Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) into an Aviation Hub
“Government has provided policy direction and is currently reviewing regulation to address gaps in a bid to transform KKIA into a regional aviation hub.”
This workshop was moderated by Mr. Phestos Musonda, President and Chairperson of the Sub-Saharan Gemstone Exchange in Zambia. He introduced the panelists and encouraged all delegates to participate in the engaging discussions after the presentations.
She said $1 billion was spent to improve infrastructure as witnessed by the commissioning of the new KKIA airport terminal in 2021. Zambia sits in a strategic geographical location which enables it to easily become an aviation hub. Its stable political system, investment security, investment guarantees, ability to repatriate 100% of profits, and no exchange controls, gives it the competitive edge over neighbouring countries. She cited lack of tourism infrastructure, expensive fees to tourist destinations, stringent visa requirements and travel restrictions due to COVID-19 travel requirements as challenges that can negatively impact the aviation industry and Zambia’s dream of becoming the aviation hub in the subregion.
Paul Mulola, Acting Director Transport, Ministry of Transport and Logistics said the Government has provided policy direction and is currently reviewing regulation to address gaps in a bid to transform KKIA into a regional aviation hub.
Paul Mulola Acting Director Transport - MTL
Highlighted in his presentation, was that transport played a critical role in facilitating Zambia’s development process in economic and social sectors. Government’s zeal to develop the aviation sector emanates from Vision 2030 whose goal is to make Zambia a middleincome country by the year 2030. The Managing Director of Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL), Maggie Kaunda stated that the Government has gone all out to invest in the aviation sector to spur growth.
Panelists take charge and make their points on transforming KKIA into an aviation hub. 1: Paul Mulola Acting Director Transport - MTL
According to Captain Josias Walubita, Director Ground and Flight Operations at Proflight, Zambia missed an opportunity in the early 90s to cement its place in the aviation industry. It had the best airline providing flights to India, Europe and America besides possessing a strong regional network.
2: Mr. Phestos Musonda – Subsahara Jemstone Exchange(in-blue suit) moderates a session on transforming KKIA into an aviation hub
3: Maggie Kaunda, ZACL(Zambia Airports Corporation Limited.
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