Zimbabwe’s
aviation industry is in a bit of a predicament, a culmination of decades of
mismanagement and neglect. It’s a sector that is a key driver of any economy
insofar as it generates economic growth, creates jobs, and facilitates
international trade and tourism.
The
International Air Transport Association (IATA) has met with President Emmerson
Mnangagwa to discuss, among other issues, the release of US$196
million in revenue owed to airlines by the country.
The director-general
of IATA, Alexandre du Juniac, met Mnangagwa in Harare on Tuesday and told him
that Zimbabwe’s trade and tourism were at risk over the debt.
“Aviation
is a key contributor to the prosperity of this country. But funds from
the sale of air tickets in Zimbabwe cannot currently be repatriated to
airlines. It will be negative for business, trade and tourism if airlines
are forced to reduce their service to Zimbabwe,” he said.
Zimbabwe
has started experiencing shortage of imported commodities after it emerged that
several local banks have failed to honor letters of credit (LCs) to foreign
banks in trade finance deals, amid heightened fears the troubled country could
see many products disappearing from shop shelves.
“But it
was clear from our fruitful meeting that we are united in our commitment to
finding an appropriate solution that will address this and support Zimbabwe’s
economic development.” He added.
