Online Reporter
Business Reporter
Zimbabwe’s postal and courier volumes increased by 38,97 percent in the second quarter of 2025 to 439 561 from 316 298 in the previous quarter, latest data from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) shows.
According to POTRAZ’s second quarter postal and telecommunications report, the growth was widespread across various service categories, with some experiencing massive increases.
International outgoing letters saw the most dramatic rise, with volumes skyrocketing by 608,9 percent from 708 items in the first quarter to 5 019, the report says.
Domestic services also registered substantial growth, with domestic postal letters increasing by 44,13 percent to 199 359 while domestic courier volumes rose by 44,68 percent to 153 674 items.
Other categories, including international incoming letters and international outgoing courier volumes, also saw notable gains of 18,86 percent and 21,27 percent, respectively.
Postal and courier services are both essential for transporting items, but they serve different needs and operate in distinct ways.
Postal services provide a universal and generally affordable option for delivering letters, packages and other mail.
They handle a massive volume of items and are a reliable choice for non-urgent shipments.
Courier services, on the other hand, often provide services like real-time tracking, door-to-door delivery, and the ability to handle time-sensitive or valuable items with greater security and care, making them the preferred choice for e-commerce and businesses requiring prompt and secure delivery.
The strong performance of the postal and courier sector comes amid a broader trend of digital transformation and infrastructure development in Zimbabwe.
According to previous reports from POTRAZ, the country has been experiencing a rapid increase in mobile and fixed broadband services, driven by rising smartphone penetration and the expansion of fiber optic networks and 5G rollout.
Industry analysts suggest that the growth in e-commerce platforms and online shopping habits, a direct result of increased digital adoption, is a key driver for the heightened demand for courier services.
The rise in digital transactions and online business activities is creating new opportunities for logistics and delivery services, contributing to the overall sector’s growth.
While the total number of operational postal outlets remained at 281 in the quarter under review, courier outlets decreased by 22 outlets from 235 recorded in the first quarter to 213 in the second quarter of 2025.
The decrease is attributable to FedEx, which closed 22 outlets during the quarter under review.
The decrease in postal and courier outlets reduced the postal and courier density from 30,378 people per postal or courier outlet to 31,731 people per postal or courier outlet in the quarter under review.
