AN EXAMINATION OF AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF DIGITAL TOWERS IN AFRICA WITH A SPOTLIGHT ON ZIMBABWE

Dilapidated, antiquated, or destitute aviation infrastructure has significantly contributed to the demise of air travel and air traffic safety necessary for intra and global connectivity in Africa. As a result, Africa makes a mere 2.1% contribution to global air transportation activity. Additionally, it has contributed to the stifling of economic growth on the continent, with the largest population of people living in poverty and 33 of the 46 world’s least developed countries.

In light of anticipated economic and aviation growth, through airport modernization, I wished to investigate digital towers and their potential for improving air traffic management in Africa. Safe, regular, and affordable air travel can be the life blood to a country, ushering in tourism, economic aid, business and industry investments, and travel between nations. This research examined the current state of air traffic management systems in Africa and spotlighted the potential role of digital towers in helping to improve air traffic management in countries like Zimbabwe, used here as a case study, whose economic growth and stability has been hampered by the poor condition of their airports and air traffic management systems.

Findings confirmed that the infrastructure problems that have plagued Africa are especially pronounced in Zimbabwe, and have played a significant role in limiting economic development in Zimbabwe, as well as other affected African countries. One recommendation for addressing the problem is to modernize airport infrastructures, and with international collaboration, employ digital towers and modern technology to improve air traffic management, air traffic safety, and boost global and intraregional connectivity, consequently boosting tourism and trade. A second recommendation is to bring international collaboration and resources to address air traffic management issues in other least-developed countries around the world.