Zimbabwe clears 90% of its debts to airlines

The International Air Transport Association has applauded Zimbabwe for clearing most of its debt to the airline community.

“Zimbabwe, which owed $100 million, exceeded IATA’s expectations when they settled 90 % of their bill and committed to a payment plan that covered monthly additions and the backlog,” said IATA’s Vice President for Africa and the Middle East Kamil Al-Awadhi.

“They have done beautifully and I commend the Zimbabwe government for doing so well. They were receptive from day one, showing us their numbers, came up with payment plan and paid 90% as soon as they had the cash,” says Kamil.

In July 2022, Zimbabwe was the second biggest debtor in Africa after Nigeria with US$465 million.

Globally, 11 countries in Africa accounted for 78% of the $1.8 billion in airline revenues blocked in different parts of the world with Nigeria, Eritrea and Algeria also on the list.