Ghana and Zambia have taken a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations with the signing of a new air services agreement that will allow direct commercial flights between the two countries. The deal is expected to improve air connectivity, lower travel costs, and support growing trade and investment ties between the West and Southern African nations.
The agreement was announced on Friday, February 6, 2026, during the Ghana–Zambia Business Dialogue held in Lusaka, as part of President John Dramani Mahama’s three-day state visit to Zambia. Addressing government officials, business leaders, and investors at the forum, President Mahama described the agreement as a practical outcome of diplomatic engagement aimed at delivering economic benefits to citizens of both countries.
According to the Ghanaian leader, the bilateral air services agreement, alongside a newly signed visa waiver arrangement, reflects a shared commitment to removing barriers to movement and cooperation.
“Partnership in execution will determine our success,” President Mahama said. “I am encouraged by the agreements we have signed during this state visit, including the visa waiver that will allow citizens of our two countries to travel visa-free, and the bilateral air services agreement that will enable direct flights between Zambia and Ghana.”
Boost for Trade, Tourism, and Investment
President Mahama explained that the absence of direct air connections has long increased the cost and duration of travel between the two countries, often requiring passengers and cargo to transit through third countries. The new agreement, he said, would significantly reduce transport costs and improve efficiency for both business and leisure travel.
“These measures will enhance mobility, improve connectivity between our peoples, and facilitate the movement of goods, capital, and services,” he noted. “They will also make it easier for our private sectors to explore opportunities and build partnerships.”
Trade analysts say direct flights could be particularly beneficial for exporters, investors, and service providers, helping to unlock underutilised trade potential between Ghana and Zambia. Improved air links are also expected to support tourism growth by making travel more convenient for visitors.
Part of Broader Economic Cooperation
The air services agreement forms part of a wider framework to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen diplomatic relations between Accra and Lusaka. Officials say the two governments are working to align policies that support private sector growth, regional integration, and intra-African trade, in line with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The visa waiver agreement signed alongside the aviation deal is expected to further enhance people-to-people exchanges, allowing citizens of both countries to travel without visa requirements for short stays. Business groups have welcomed the move, saying it will encourage networking, joint ventures, and cross-border investments.
Business Dialogue and State Visit
The Ghana–Zambia Business Dialogue brought together senior government officials, trade promotion agencies, and business leaders from both countries. Discussions focused on opportunities in sectors such as aviation, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, energy, and logistics.
President Mahama’s state visit to Zambia is aimed at expanding trade volumes, attracting investment, and strengthening collaboration between Ghanaian and Zambian private sector players. Government officials from both sides indicated that follow-up technical meetings would be held to ensure the swift implementation of the agreements reached.
Implementation Next Steps
While the signing of the air services agreement sets the legal framework for direct flights, aviation authorities from both countries are expected to work on operational details, including route approvals, airline designations, safety standards, and scheduling.
Industry observers note that the success of the agreement will depend on timely implementation and active participation by airlines. If effectively executed, the deal could mark a turning point in Ghana–Zambia relations and serve as a model for deeper air connectivity across the continent.
For now, officials say the agreements signal a clear intention by both governments to translate diplomacy into tangible economic outcomes.
Source: Africa Publicity
