NHS targets doubling cargo volumes

NATIONAL Handling Services (NHS), the state‑owned aviation ground services provider, plans to double its cargo business to more than five million kilogrammes as it seeks to consolidate its position in Zimbabwe’s aviation industry.

NHS currently commands an estimated 45 percent of the cargo market share following the liberalisation of the sector. To support growth, the company is expanding its cargo warehousing facilities in Harare, with completion expected by mid‑2026. It has also doubled its cold chain capacity after commissioning a second refrigerated cargo facility in November last year.

In 2024, NHS handled 2,85 million kilogrammes of cargo against a targeted 2,9 million, supported by shifting airline dynamics and new partnerships. This was a decline from 2023, when NHS — then still a monopoly — processed 5,24 million kilogrammes. The entry of competitors such as Aviation Ground Services (AGS) has eroded its dominance, but NHS is determined to reclaim its market share.

The expansion comes as Zimbabwe’s exports continue to grow. ZimStat data shows cumulative export earnings for January-November 2025 reached US$8,57 billion, up 27 percent from US$6,74 billion in the same period in 2024.

NHS mainly handles high‑value, time‑sensitive and perishable exports, including horticultural products such as flowers, peas, mangoes and other fruits and vegetables. Tobacco is another key export, with premium consignments often flown to meet immediate global demand. Minerals and precious stones, including gold, diamonds and platinum, are also exported by air, requiring strict security.

Enhancing NHS facilities will enable the company to handle larger volumes of exports, positioning Robert Mugabe International Airport as a more competitive cargo gateway. Robert Mugabe International Airport processes more than 90 percent of Zimbabwe’s cargo volumes.

As part of its modernisation drive, NHS has acquired a Unit Load Device (ULD) shed to protect airline equipment from weather exposure. ULDs are critical containers used to transport baggage and cargo securely. Planned upgrades also include the electrification of airport access gates to improve efficiency and security.

Speaking at NHS’s fourth annual general meeting, chief executive officer Phillip Rambakudzibwa said the long‑term future of the cargo segment would be anchored on the recovery of Zimbabwe’s export volumes, particularly high‑value goods.

“We are working on expanding our cargo business. We are currently expanding our warehouse capacity and expect that project to be completed by the end of the first half of 2026. We have already doubled our cold chain facilities and can now handle any volume that passes through RGMI in terms of cold chain cargo.

“Much of our cargo comes through Ethiopian Airlines, followed by Airlink, while Air Zimbabwe also contributes modest volumes. We have secured new business from SolitAir, a Dubai‑based cargo airline that recently commenced operations into Zimbabwe, further diversifying our portfolio and driving growth,” he said.

NHS board chairman Advocate Godwin Nyengedza said the company aims to seize emerging opportunities to boost annual cargo volumes.

“The outlook is highly encouraging, as expanded airport infrastructure can now accommodate twin‑aisle aircraft carrying significantly larger volumes. That is expected to attract more regional and international airlines,” he said.