Zambia is leveraging its geographical advantage and enhancing its aviation infrastructure, propelling the nation towards a promising future teeming with prospects in trade, tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture.The aviation import-export nexus in Zambia has for the first part of this year seen volumes fall by as much as half, so far playing a small role in Zambia's journey towards economic diversification and growth in 2023. According to Jonathan Lewis of NAC2000, the change in volumes is a combination of factors, mainly a result of the relatively volatile ZMW to USD exchange rates, fuel pricing and f luctuating freight rates and aviation capacity, as well as the effects of the pandemic.“Growth has yet to materialise so far this year, with cargo volumes lagging in the wake of the pandemic and all of its after effects. Recent government policy changes and drive for investments do however provide for a promising future,” he said.According to Lewis, despite the lag, the infrastructure investment initiatives already undertaken will not only boost the country's economy as it moves into the future but also lay the foundation for a more resilient and diversified economic future. “As the aviation sector continues to evolve in Zambia, so does NAC2000. We c ont i nue to invest in handling equipment and the training of people to maintain and improve our safety and security standards. As Zambia's only ISAGO-registered and accredited ground service provider, NAC2000 is increasingly well-placed to capitalise on the benefits of its strategic approach to economic development within the air cargo and aviation services sector.”NAC2000 is a private company and has provided cargo, freight clearing and forwarding, and aircraft ground handling services for more than 23 years. Currently, it handles more than half of the Zambian airfreight market In Lusaka and Ndola, and has significant market share in Solwezi, Mfuwe and Livingstone for scheduled and private charters. It also continues to maintain a road clearance presence at Nakonde, Chirundu, Livingstone and Kazungula. One of Zambia's promising avenues for economic diversification was agriculture and agribusiness, said Lewis. “The government has been focusing on modernising agricultural practices to boost productivity. Additionally, agribusiness value chains are being developed to process and export value-added products, creating employment opportunities and boosting rural economies. NAC2000 Corporation supports the import and export of goods, reducing transit times and enhancing supply chain reliability through airfreight.”Lewis believes this improved logistics and connectivity contributes to economic growth by expanding trade opportunities for foreign and local investors who may be more likely to invest in Zambia when they have reliable transportation options for personnel and cargo, contributing to economic diversification within the region, continent, and further afield.
