Africa’s second largest copper producer Zambia has decided to re-open its international airports following over 8 weeks of closure in the wake of disease pandemic. its country head of state President Edgar Lungu in a state of the nation address announced further ease in partial lock down measures to include re-opening of its international airports namely Harry Mwaanga Nkhumbula – HMKIA in Livingstone, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe – SMKIA in Ndola and Mfuwe Airports which has been closed as the copper producer stepped in to contain COVID19.
Disease pandemic has eroded business pulse at these airports as lack of activity muted operations and services provided by stores and general airport taxes generated from the air traffic in addition to purchasing power from passengers. However the rising cases of corona infections has led to tightened health protocols that has resulted in cancellation of events ranging from annual general meeting, summits and tourism related activity.
“The re-opening of airports is timely and will increase activity in the tourist capital Livingstone. With cancellation of the agriculture and commercial show which was to take place this July long weekend, we are hopeful that with airports re-opening traffic will divert to tourism activities. We would like to urge organizations and associations such as the Law Association of Zambia, Economics Association of Zambia and Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants to come and host their events and AGMs in Livingstone,” Chairman of the Livingstone Tourism Association Mr. Rodney Sikumba said in an interview.
Zambia’s private sector has borne the brunt of disease pandemic that has eroded growth momentum as the economy was in partial lock down. COVID has derailed launch of Zambia new national carrier and so has impacted local private airlines such as Proflight Zambia and Mahogany as travel appetite muted. It is hoped that with the economy re-opening, airport tax flows will allow for the airlines, Zambia Airports Corporation and Airport construction to resume. Zambia’s $1bln airport infrastructure projects have stalled due to COVID19 effects. Easing measures have since been effected with essential sectors back to full operational mode with tight health protocols. Bars and clubs however will remain closed until disease pandemic effects fade significantly.
The Kwacha Arbitrageur