Victoria Falls to Host Definitive AFI Aviation Wee...

Victoria Falls to Host Definitive AFI Aviation Week

Patience Muchemwa

Senior Reporter

Victoria Falls will host the 10th Edition of the Africa-Indian Ocean (AFI) Aviation Week from May 27 to May 31, 2025, an event convened by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) that will gather aviation leaders, policymakers, and technical experts from Africa and beyond to promote aviation infrastructure development and air navigation services efficiency in the AFI Region.

This landmark gathering, being held in Zimbabwe for the first time, marks a pivotal moment in regional aviation collaboration. Under the guidance of the Permanent Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure Development, Eng. Joy Makumbe preparations have reached their peak as the host city prepares to welcome over 300 delegates from more than 40 countries.

The Victoria Falls International Airport (VFIA) has undergone rigorous preparations, standing tall as a symbol of Zimbabwe’s aviation ambition. VFIA staff, in close collaboration with international partners, have worked tirelessly to optimize the airport’s infrastructure, enhance passenger flow systems, and fine-tune operational efficiency. The result: a seamless and sophisticated gateway for delegates from around the globe.

Eng. Makumbe emphasized the strategic importance of this event: “Zimbabwe’s hosting of the AFI Aviation Week reflects our commitment to regional integration and infrastructure advancement within the aviation sector. Victoria Falls is not just a venue, but a vision of what aviation-enabled development looks like.”

More than just a venue, Victoria Falls offers an enchanting setting unmatched anywhere in the world. Delegates will find themselves immersed in the magnificence of “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (The Smoke That Thunders), as they engage in critical dialogues shaping the future of African aviation.

Whether watching elephants along the Zambezi River or experiencing a crimson sunset over the Batoka Gorge, attendees will enjoy a rare intersection of business and beauty. The synergy between aviation progress and environmental majesty sets the 10th AFI Aviation Week apart.

The week will feature a series of high-level panels, technical workshops, and strategic roundtables focusing on air navigation services, infrastructure financing, safety oversight, and sustainable aviation development. It is a pivotal platform for driving collaboration in the AFI region—one that underscores Zimbabwe’s emerging role as a key player in continental aviation affairs.