Government says it is committed to ensuring that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is equipped with the digital tools and systems required to meet 21st-century regulatory demands.
Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, says despite the progress in aligning regulations with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the Authority still does not have a unified and modernised data system to oversee the entire aviation sector.
The media reports that in a speech delivered during the commemoration of the 2025 International Civil Aviation Day in Lusaka, Mr Tayali said aviation development must not be held hostage by institutional battles.
“The sector deserves clarity, unity, and decisive action. We aspire to become a regional logistics hub, yet we must face the truth our cargo handling capacity remains inadequate,
“If every province is to export fresh produce, livestock products, minerals and industrial goods through our airports, then we must urgently invest in cold-chain capacity, ground-handling equipment, and provincial cargo facilities, ” he said.
Mr Tayali said Zambia Airways still does not have a dedicated cargo plane, and its passenger fleet remains too small to meet the growing demand, noting that this is slowing the airline’s growth.
He however, assured that the government will support efforts to expand the fleet, strengthen governance and ensure that the airline becomes a viable contributor to national connectivity and economic development.
Speaking at the same event, Civil Aviation Authority(CAA), Director General, Captain Derrick Luembe said that over the past year, the Authority has strengthened surveillance and oversight activities, developed digital tools for regulatory processes, and improved its alignment with ICAO standards.
Captain Luembe added that this year, the Authority increased technical inspections and safety audits, updated regulations and industry guidance and enhanced inspector training through ICAO and regional capacity-building programmes.
