Second International Airport for Harare

The government has embarked on an ambitious programme to rehabilitate and modernise airports across Zimbabwe in a move aimed at enhancing air transport infrastructure, boosting tourism, and attracting critical foreign investment, Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona has announced.

Speaking at the 2025 Built Environment Conference and Expo, Mhona said the multi-billion-dollar initiative will see Charles Prince Airport on the outskirts of Harare upgraded to full international status, alongside other major aviation projects.

"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 added that the recently refurbished Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport will be re-purposed to focus primarily on domestic air traffic, streamlining operations and optimising capacity.

Among the key projects earmarked are the expansion of Charles Prince Airport, the construction of a new Mutare International Airport, and the development of Kariba International Airport.

"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," Mhona said.

He confirmed that feasibility studies are already underway and that the upgraded Charles Prince Airport will feature three to four runways once completed.

Beyond aviation, Mhona said government's broader transport strategy seeks to transform Zimbabwe from a landlocked nation into a land-linked regional hub, facilitating trade and economic integration across southern Africa.

"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 explained that the ongoing road and border post upgrades aim to cut transit times, improve logistics, and create a more business-friendly environment.

Major projects in the pipeline include the Beitbridge-Masvingo-Harare-Chirundu Road, the 31.2km Christmas Pass bypass, the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, and the modernization of Chirundu and Forbes border posts, as well as the construction of four new highway interchanges.

Mhona emphasised that partnerships with the private sector would be crucial in sustaining infrastructure growth, but stressed the need for commercial viability to attract investment.

"It is vital that we adopt a business-minded approach to infrastructure service provision. 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," he said.

The minister reaffirmed that Zimbabwe's strategic location gives it a pivotal role in regional trade, and the current infrastructure overhaul is designed to unlock new economic opportunities while boosting the country's competitiveness in the global marketplace.