Zambia and the Kingdom of Eswatini have signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) that will open up direct commercial flights between the two countries.

After signing the Agreement on the sidelines of the ongoing 10th Africa Indian Ocean Avian Week 2025 in Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls town, Minister of Transport and Logistics Hon. MUSEBA F. TAYALI described the ceremony as an important milestone in strengthening the two countries’ bilateral cooperation on air transport.

He said the Agreement also symbolised the two countries’ shared commitment to improving regional connectivity.

Hon. TAYALI revealed that the Agreement was a culmination of an earlier meeting between President Hakainde Hichilema and King Mswati III of Swaziland, adding that this has been the desire of the two Heads of State.

He said the Agreement comes at a time when the African continent grapples with a situation where it has little business conducted within itself compared to other continents.

Hon. TAYALI added that the Agreement also reflects a continental vision, aligning with the objectives of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC).

He further said it supports the African Union Commission’s commitment to fully operationalise the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

“By embracing air transport liberalisation, Zambia and Eswatini are playing their part in building a more connected, integrated and economically vibrant Africa. This agreement also supports Zambia’s goal of positioning itself as a regional transport and aviation hub,” said Hon. TAYALI.

And after signing the agreement on behalf of his country, Eswatini’s Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, THULANI MKHALIPI, said they are looking at launching their first direct commercial flight to Zambia this September.

He said they will have to first travel to Zambia in June as part of preparations for the launch.

Mr. MKHALIPI added that Eswatini has a good number of Zambians participating in business there, hence direct commercial flights between the two countries will enable citizens in the two countries trade efficiently.

Meanwhile, AFCAC President SERGE DZOTA who commended the two countries for the Agreement, said the African Union’s Agenda 2063 is about free movement of people.

He said if African Union members united in the air transport sector, foreign airlines would not take up a lion’s share of the continent’s market for commercial flights.

He pledged Eswatini’s commitment to enhancing Africa’s connectivity.