The launch of flights by an African company, a response to continental free trade

Kinshasa, April 28^th, 2025(CPA) – The launch of flights by an airline from an African country in Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is in line with the vision of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ZELCAF) and Africa’s Agenda 2063, the CPA learned on Saturday from an official source.  ‘The starting of Air Tanzania’s operations in Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, will offer our people an opportunity to travel freely, without hindrance, and will contribute to the economic growth of our countries, through trade, the movement of goods and services, in line with the vision of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Agenda 2063,’ said Makame Mbarawa, Tanzania’s Minister in charge of Transport, at the launch of the inaugural flight in Kinshasa. ‘This action offers infinite possibilities for faster commercial transactions, simplified tourist experiences and a bridge that unites the two peoples like never before’, he added.   ‘A simple flight is a real turning point for regional connectivity and economic growth. Your presence here today is a testament to the long history of friendship and collaboration between our two nations that began before our independence and continues to this day,’ he added.  On this occasion, the Tanzanian minister praised the leadership of the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, and the President of the Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluku Hassan, who are helping the two countries to move forward.  The ceremony to launch the first flight of this Tanzanian airline was attended by a number of personalities from both countries as well as several ambassadors and the Managing Director of Air Tanzania, Peter Ulanga. The ceremony was presided over at N’djili international airport by Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Transport, Communications and Opening-up.