CAA Board Takes Charge


Strategic oversight and operational efficiency are highlighted as key goals for the three-year term.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 
Lusaka, Zambia — 6 January 2026 — The new Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Board has officially taken charge for its three-year term from December 2025 to December 2028, tasked with strengthening aviation safety, modernising regulations, expanding cargo operations, and driving digital transformation.

Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, speaking at the inauguration held at Protea Hotel near Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, said Zambia’s aviation sector is vital for national development, trade, tourism, investment, and regional connectivity.

He stressed the urgency of passing the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Security Audit scheduled for 2026, calling it critical for national credibility, investor confidence, and the sustainability of the aviation industry.

“The Board must provide strong oversight on aviation security, coordinate with stakeholders, ensure adequate resources, and monitor corrective actions from past audits. Failure in this area is not an option,” Tayali said.

The Minister urged the Board to prioritise cargo development as a driver of exports, value chains, and foreign exchange. 

Efficient cargo systems, he noted, are crucial for agriculture, mining, and manufacturing.

 
He called for predictable licensing, certification, and approvals while encouraging innovation in charter and regional cargo services.

Economic regulation was another priority. Tayali instructed the Board to move from policy planning to full implementation to ensure fair competition, transparency in fees, consumer protection, and a predictable environment for airlines and service providers.

Digital transformation was also highlighted. The Board is expected to lead the digitalisation of licensing, certification, and regulatory processes to improve efficiency, transparency, and compliance monitoring.

Modernising the Zambia Aviation Services Training Institute (ZASTI) is a strategic goal.

 Tayali called for establishing a fully-fledged flying school with at least one training aircraft to develop local capacity in piloting, aviation security, inspection, and technical skills, reducing reliance on external institutions.

The Minister encouraged the Board to prepare for the construction of Aviation House, a symbol of institutional permanence.

 He also stressed the need for leadership development and succession planning to ensure stability and professionalism beyond individual tenures.

Captain Gabriel Chileshe Kunda, the newly appointed Chairperson, said the Board will focus on safety, good governance, and innovation over the next three years.

He outlined plans to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve inspectorate capacity, and foster a proactive safety culture aligned with ICAO standards. 

Ensuring the safety and security of Zambia’s aviation system, he said, is the Board’s top responsibility.

Captain Kunda also highlighted corporate governance, financial sustainability, ethical leadership, human capital development, succession planning, and digital transformation as key priorities. 

He stressed the importance of innovation in aviation, including unmanned aircraft systems, green aviation initiatives, and emerging technologies.

“The Civil Aviation Authority does not operate in isolation,” Captain Kunda said. 

“Success depends on collaboration with government institutions, industry stakeholders, training institutions, and international partners to position Zambia as a respected and competitive aviation hub.”

He thanked Minister Tayali for his leadership in strengthening transport and logistics and assured that the Board would carry out its mandate with integrity and diligence. 

The Board also acknowledged that while it provides strategic oversight, operational management remains the responsibility of CAA management.

The new Board is expected to reinforce Zambia’s aviation sector, enhance national and regional connectivity, and support economic growth through a safer, more efficient, and innovative aviation system.

 © 2026. All rights reserved

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