ACSA and Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality Sign Strategic Partnership to Advance Development and Strategic Initiatives at Bram Fischer International Airport

Bloemfontein, 17 March 2026 – Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM) yesterday, 16 March 2026, formalised a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Bram Fischer International Airport, marking an important milestone in strengthening regional collaboration and unlocking economic development opportunities in the Free State.

The agreement establishes a framework for coordinated planning and cooperation between the two entities to advance development initiatives in and around the Bram Fischer International Airport precinct, while supporting broader regional priorities, including economic growth, skills development, infrastructure development, tourism, and investment attraction.

As a critical transport and economic gateway for the province, Bram Fischer International Airport plays an important role in facilitating connectivity between the Free State and key domestic and international markets. Through this partnership, ACSA and the MMM aim to strengthen the airport's role as a catalyst for regional development and position the precinct as a hub for aviation-related activity, logistics, tourism and commercial investment.

The collaboration is aligned with ACSA's broader airport city and aerotropolis development priority, which seeks to leverage airport infrastructure as a driver of sustainable economic growth and integrated urban development.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, ACSA Assistant General Manager for Cluster 1, Faith Zwane, highlighted the strategic importance of collaboration between aviation infrastructure providers and local government.

"Airports are powerful economic enablers that extend far beyond aviation operations. Through this partnership with the MMM, we are aligning our development vision to ensure that Bram Fischer International Airport continues to serve as a strategic gateway for the Free State while unlocking new opportunities for investment, skills development, trade and job creation in the region."

By aligning planning processes and development priorities, the partnership aims to create an enabling environment for sustainable growth while ensuring that airport expansion and precinct development are integrated with the city's long-term economic and spatial development strategies.

Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality City Manager, Sello More, said:

"The airport node represents one of Mangaung's flagship catalytic projects and is central to our vision of positioning the city as a logistics and investment hub. Through the development of a logistics precinct, expanded cargo capabilities and aviation-linked industries, we are strengthening regional value chains while supporting South Africa's broader trade corridors. This Memorandum of Understanding with ACSA provides an important framework for collaboration as we work together to unlock investment opportunities and drive economic diversification in the region."

The signing ceremony brought together representatives from the provincial government, municipal leadership, transport sector stakeholders, and development partners, underscoring the importance of collaborative partnerships in advancing infrastructure development and economic opportunities.

The MoU represents an important step in strengthening institutional collaboration and establishing a platform for the implementation of joint initiatives that will enhance the strategic value of Bram Fischer International Airport as a key regional gateway.

As the partnership moves from commitment to implementation, both entities have emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration, coordinated planning and the delivery of projects that generate tangible socio-economic benefits for the people of Mangaung and the Free State.

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