Online Reporter
Business Reporter
National Handling Services aims to double its cargo volumes as it moves to consolidate its position in Zimbabwe’s aviation sector, spurred by rising exports and intensified competition following the liberalisation of the ground handling industry, an official has said.
The company currently commands an estimated 45 percent share of the cargo handling market after the entry of new players into the sector.
To support its projected growth, NHS is expanding its cargo warehousing facilities in Harare, with the project slated for completion by the end of June 2026, NHS chief executive Mr Phillip Rambakudzibwa has said.
He said the long-term growth of the cargo segment would be driven by Zimbabwe’s recovering export volumes, particularly high-value goods transported by air.
“We are working on expanding our cargo business and are currently increasing warehouse capacity, with the project expected to be completed by the end of the first half of 2026,” he said.
“Much of our cargo comes through Ethiopian Airlines, followed by Airlink, while Air Zimbabwe also contributes modest volumes.
“We have also secured new business from SolitAir, a Dubai-based cargo airline that recently commenced operations into Zimbabwe, further diversifying our airline portfolio.”
The company has also doubled its cold-chain capacity after commissioning a second refrigerated cargo facility in November last year, a move expected to boost handling of perishable exports.
In 2024, NHS handled 2,85 million kilogrammes of cargo, slightly below its budget target of 2,9 million kilogrammes, supported by shifting airline dynamics and new commercial partnerships. This represented a decline from the 5,24 million kilogrammes processed in 2023.
The entry of companies such as Aviation Ground Services (AGS) has reduced NHS’s market dominance, prompting the company to pursue aggressive recovery and expansion strategies.
NHS mainly handles high-value, time-sensitive and perishable exports, including horticultural produce such as flowers, fresh peas, mangoes and other fruits and vegetables.
Tobacco also remains an important air-freight commodity, particularly for premium-grade or urgent consignments, while minerals and precious stones such as gold, diamonds and platinum are commonly transported by air because of their high value and security requirements.
The expansion of NHS facilities is expected to enable the company to process larger export volumes, particularly temperature-sensitive cargo, while enhancing the competitiveness of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport as a regional cargo gateway. Currently, the airport accounts for more than 90 percent of the country’s processed cargo volumes.
As part of broader modernisation efforts, NHS has also acquired a Unit Load Device (ULD) shed to protect airline equipment from weather exposure. ULDs are specialised containers used to transport baggage and cargo on aircraft.
The company is further electrifying airport access gates to improve efficiency and security.
NHS board chairman Advocate Godwin Nyengedza said the company was well positioned to capitalise on opportunities created by upgraded airport infrastructure.
“The outlook is highly encouraging, as the expanded airport infrastructure can now accommodate twin-aisle aircraft that carry significantly larger volumes of passengers and cargo. This is expected to attract more regional and international airlines. Management remains confident that, supported by clear strategic initiatives, strong execution and improved operational efficiency, the company will recover from recent setbacks and return to a stronger growth trajectory,” he said.
The chief director in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer David Jana, said the Government remained committed to supporting NHS in strengthening efficiency and financial sustainability in line with the National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030.
