By 
Transport and Logistics Minister, Frank Tayali, has announced that Zambia will undergo the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP) next year.
Tayali said that in 2024, Zambia scored 72.94 percent in the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme.
As the country prepares for the USAP, he said robust security upgrades and training initiatives were already underway.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Annual Stakeholders’ Meeting in Lusaka, held at the Pamodzi Hotel, in a speech read for him by Fredrick Mwalusaka, Ministry Permanent Secretary, Tayali stressed that the upcoming USAP was a national priority requiring collective commitment, not just the responsibility of the authority.
“We are upgrading screening infrastructure, revising procedures, and enhancing personnel training. Our goal is simple yet firm: to not just pass this audit, but to set a new standard of aviation security excellence in Africa,” he said.
On the international front, Tayali announced that Zambia had assumed the Chairmanship of the ICAO African Flight Procedures Programme (AFPP), strengthening the country’s leadership role in regional aviation safety.
He also revealed that Zambia had signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Eswatini, expanding opportunities for regional connectivity.
“Our active participation in high-level platforms, such as the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal just a few months ago, is a testament to the priority we place on aviation. These engagements ensure that Zambia is not just a participant, but a leader in shaping Africa’s aviation policies on safety, sustainability, and open skies,” he said.
Tayali noted that 2025 had been a year of renewal and momentum for the aviation sector, with increased passenger and cargo volumes across airports, showing a strong rebound in air travel and trade.
He added that government had strengthened safety oversight and regulatory performance, fully aligning with ICAO standards, while major infrastructure developments—such as the rehabilitation of Mfuwe International Airport—gained traction to boost domestic connectivity and tourism.
“We also intensified investments in our air navigation systems, embracing digital transformation to make our skies safer and more efficient. Through the adoption of Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), Zambia now enjoys real-time tracking and more fuel-efficient flight paths,” Tayali said.
He stated that these innovations enhanced safety while reducing airline costs and the carbon footprint, and noted that the country was also embracing advancements in Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).
According to Tayali, Zambia’s new RPAS framework ensures that drone operations—for mapping, delivery, mining, energy, or agriculture—are fully regulated, accountable, and secure.
Meanwhile, CAA Director General, Derrick Luembe, said that as the country looked ahead to 2026, one of the most critical national priorities was the ICAO USAP.
Luembe said the audit would be a crucial test of Zambia’s ability to maintain aviation security at international standards.
“The CAA has intensified its preparations through comprehensive amendments to the National Civil Aviation Security Programme, improved inspections, strengthened coordination across state agencies, and upgrades to screening technologies and threat-assessment processes,” he said.
He added that a successful USAP outcome would safeguard Zambia’s reputation, maintain the confidence of international partners, and protect the operational freedom of airlines in global markets.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments