The Zimbabwean government has officially secured a strategic development partner to spearhead a massive infrastructure overhaul at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (RGMIA). The project, featuring the construction of a state-of-the-art cargo village and a second runway, marks a decisive step in the nation’s bid to become a premier regional logistics hub.
The Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) recently confirmed that an international logistics Transvaal Africa, is set to invest over US$1 billion into the development of a smart cargo village. This ambitious project aims to transform trade logistics through a facility accommodating grading, sorting, and packaging services. Central to the development is the establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which will offer liberal economic regulations and tax breaks to attract international investment. This centralized “one-stop-shop” approach is specifically designed to address previous operational fragmentation where various cargo handlers were scattered across different facilities, causing logistical bottlenecks.
The introduction of a second runway is a critical component of this expansion. As RGMIA now handles approximately six million passengers annually, a single runway posed a potential single point of failure and limited the frequency of long-haul international flights. The dual-runway system will ensure uninterrupted operations, providing a safety net during maintenance and allowing for simultaneous take-offs and landings, which drastically reduces “holding patterns” for incoming aircraft.
This expansion is not just about freight; it is also about national prestige and passenger experience. These new developments follow a string of successful upgrades at the airport, including the completion of the state-of-the-art VVIP pavilion. Designed with unique stone cladding and distinctive conical towers that resemble the letter “Z,” the pavilion serves as a visual landmark for arriving dignitaries.
Furthermore, the domestic terminal has undergone significant rehabilitation to bring internal travel standards in line with international expectations. Modernization efforts have also touched upon the airport’s core systems, featuring upgraded radar, navigation, and airfield ground lighting funded through a US$153 million loan from the China Export-Import Bank.
Through the integration of these freight and passenger enhancements, Zimbabwe is positioning RGMIA as a formidable competitor to regional giants like OR Tambo in South Africa. Government officials believe that these upgrades will drive tourism, support the horticultural export industry with new cold chain facilities, and attract more international airlines to include Harare in their primary African routes.
