Source: "Speeches through the years: Cde. Robert Gabriel Mugabe (Feb. 21, 1924- Present)", pgs. 82-84
It is my singular honour and privileged to officiate at this historic event, the commissioning of the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport, befittingly coinciding with our National Unity Day.
As you may recall, in 2002, Government took the decision to rename the Bulawayo Airport after the late Mdala Wethu Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo. This was in recognition of the late Vice President’s immense contribution, not only to our liberation struggle, but also to the social and economic development of independent Zimbabwe.
Then, we decided that the airport infrastructure and services and would be upgraded, to match the status of Zimbabwe’s second largest city.
Pursuant to the above, in 2003, a ground-breaking ceremony, led by the late Vice President Msika, was held at this site, signalling the beginning of a project which has, regrettably, taken a decade to complete.
Initially pencilled to be completed within a space of just two years, this project, unfortunately, was bedevilled by many challenges. It was caught in the era of hyper-inflation, characterized by an acute shortage of foreign currency and materials. Yes, it is one of those projects severely affected by illegal sanctions imposed on us by Britain and her western allies after we embarked on our Land Reform Programme. How could we not claim back our land, the land which Umdala Wethu had fought for, for most of his life?
As we celebrate the commissioning of this magnificent project, we must also celebrate the victory of the gallant sons and daughters of Zimbabwe over colonialism. Today, I am proud to commission a new look, complete and operational terminal airport building, now part of the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport.
My Government always acknowledges the important role played by air transport in promoting and facilitating national economic development, mainly through tourism, trade, investment and business travel. For this reason, at independence, Zimbabwe became a signatory to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation. The convention ensures that our aviation sector is developed and managed according to international standards.
In pursuit of maintaining and complying with international standards, Government, in 1999, transformed the then department of civic aviation into an autonomous Civil Aviation Authority. This resulted in the country attaining compliance with international aviation safety and security requirements. In this regard, I note with much satisfaction that Zimbabwe has since continued to improve its security requirements.
My Government has also taken major steps to support the aviation sector. For example, the Victoria Falls terminal was renovated to facilitate the hosting of the Commonwealth Heads Government Meeting (CHOGM), while Government provided the resources for the major modernization of the airspace management systems.
The construction of the catering uplift facility at Harare International Airport was established in 1992, and the construction of the Harare Airport International Terminal Building was completed in 2000. During this year’s UNWTO, the Victoria Falls Airport, Zimbabwe’s tourists hub, received extension and improvements of its terminal building.
Ladies and gentlemen, the completion of the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport is one of the quick wins of our new economic blue print, Zim Asset. As we celebrate Unity Day today, we are at the same time also celebrating yet another milestone towards the fulfillment of our economic blueprint.
I urge the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development to urgently complete the remaining phases of this project and, they then should move on to develop other airports at Kariba, Buffalo Range and Mutare.
Comrades and friends, in order to improve the quality of services in the civil aviation sector, Government is set to separate regulator functions from commercial operations of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe. This should not only enhance safety and security compliance, but will also entice the private sector participation in airport operations.
The relevant Bill should be brought to the current session of the Parliament for consideration. My Government has also continued to support the aviation sector by establishing air links with other states. To this end, Zimbabwe has to date concluded bilateral air service agreements with 47 countries.
I urge the relevant Ministry to explore other areas of cooperation in this sector and proceed to open connectivity with non-traditional emerging markets. In so doing there is need for close collaboration between the civil aviation authorities and tourism promotion authorities.
In order to ensure that our airports are optimally utilised, I urge the relevant Ministries to aggressively market Air Zimbabwe. One of the long term solutions should be found in recapitalising Air Zimbabwe. In marketing itself, the Ministry must seriously consider inviting other airlines to open their routes schedule with Bulawayo.
In addition Government will prioritise Bulawayo in its efforts to revive the city’s industry. In this regard, I want to put on record Government’s determination to ensure that Bulawayo is resuscitated. The city must reaffirm its position as an industrial hub and Zimbabwe second largest city.
Finally, I am satisfied that the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport we have just commissioned should be a constant reminder to us of the sacrifices made and good work performed by Umdala Wethu during our liberation struggle and after we attained our independence.
Comrade and friends, it is now my pleasure to declare the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport terminal building officially opened.
Last updated: 20 Janaury 2026