Airlines
ZAMBIA AIRLINES KEY FIGURES
| Zambia Airways Established | IDC Shareholding | Ethiopian Airlines Shareholding | Total Project Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2018 | 55% | 45% | USD 30 million |
Zambia Airways was established in August 2018 as a joint venture between the Industrial Development Corporation, holding 55% as the government’s investment vehicle, and Ethiopian Airlines, holding the remaining 45%, at a total project cost of USD 30 million.
The airline’s purpose is to create a Southern African hub in Lusaka operating domestic, regional and international air transport to contribute to Zambia’s tourism revenue, alongside a government programme of provincial airport upgrades to improve connectivity across the country.
Zambia Airways Ownership and Purpose
Zambia Airways was established in August 2018 as a joint venture between the Industrial Development Corporation and Ethiopian Airlines, with shareholding of 55% accruing to the Industrial Development Corporation as the Government of the Republic of Zambia’s investment vehicle and Ethiopian Airlines holding 45%, at a total project cost of USD 30 million[1]. The purpose of establishing the airline was to create a Southern African hub in Lusaka that would operate domestic, regional and international air transport and ultimately contribute to tourism revenue[1].
Airport Infrastructure
In air transport, Government has upgraded Kasama Airport and rehabilitated the Chipata, Mongu and Solwezi airports since 2021, with work underway at Mansa and Mfuwe and construction of Choma, Kasaba Bay and Nakonde airports due to start in 2026[2]. Land for the future development of Chipata, Solwezi and Mongu airports has also been secured, with Government framing the upgrades as unlocking connectivity for agriculture, mining and tourism[2].
Investment Opportunities
The provincial airport upgrade programme, alongside Zambia Airways’ stated ambition to build out a Southern African hub in Lusaka, points to a growing domestic aviation infrastructure base that connectivity-dependent sectors such as tourism and mining logistics can plan around, detailed further on the dedicated Transport page[1][2].
Last Update: September 2026
