COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe received Dr. Patrick Nkhoma, Chairperson of the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Board, for a courtesy call on Thursday, 28 August 2025. The meeting underscored our shared commitment to advancing the aviation sector in the region and reinforcing Zambia’s leadership, playing a prominent regional role to advance Aviation sector.

The collaboration between COMESA and Zambia, particularly through the 11 European Development Fund, Support to Air Transport Sector Development (SATSD) programme, continues to deliver impact, ranging from inclusive gender-focused aviation capacity building initiatives to the recently successfully held SAATM regional airshow events. The Secretary General commended Zambia’s proactive leadership in advancing air transport liberalization and embracing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

Dr Nkhoma highlighted the revamping of the Zambia Air Services Training Institute (ZASTI), a facility that will serve as a vital hub for aviation education, conducting pilot training, technical and ground services courses, and positioning itself as a center of excellence in aviation training for the region. Its accreditation and close coordination with the CAA will address the critical shortage of skills development of aviation professionals for the industry.

Looking ahead, COMESA will continue working closely with the CAA to support Zambia and other Member States through the SATSD Programme, focusing on greater safety, connectivity, and integration via SAATM. Zambia’s leadership, especially through strategic entities like CAA, continues to set the pace for aviation excellence in the region.