Online Reporter
Business Reporter
Integrated media group Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Limited (Zimpapers) expects a positive outlook for the remainder of the year despite challenges emanating from a tight liquidity and trading environment.
The company’s bullish sentiment is driven by its ongoing aggressive digital transformation and operational restructuring efforts, chairperson Mrs Doreen Sibanda said.
In a statement accompanying the group’s half-year financial results for the period to June 30, 2026, Mrs Sibanda said management was prioritising working capital management, revenue generation and aggressive cost optimisation across all operational units.
“The outlook for the remainder of the year remains cautiously optimistic despite continuing economic uncertainty, liquidity constraints and evolving market conditions,” she said.
Mrs Sibanda noted that while the operating environment remains challenging, the group was encouraged by progress being made in operational improvement, digital transformation, revenue diversification and organisational restructuring.
“The board believes that these initiatives, together with the strength of the group’s brands, market position and diversified media portfolio, provide a solid foundation for future growth and long-term value creation,” she said.
The group generated ZiG305,5 million in revenue and achieved a gross profit of ZiG 153,9 million in the interim period.
Net cash generated from operating activities totalled ZiG10,2 million, while the group allocated ZiG1,1 million to capital expenditure to support core operations and growth projects.
Zimpapers recorded an exchange gain of ZiG5,95 million during the period.
It narrowed its loss before tax to ZiG33,2 million, demonstrating an upward trajectory in operational efficiency compared to the corresponding period in the prior year.
The Digital and Publishing Division sustained its status as the company’s primary revenue contributor while expanding its footprint across print and online markets.
The Commercial Printing Division improved production reliability and service delivery despite persistent supply chain constraints affecting critical raw materials.
Broadcasting operations expanded audience reach and maintained market relevance across the company’s radio network and digital media platforms.
Management said it will continue channelling investments into audience monetisation initiatives to reduce reliance on traditional advertising channels over time.
The company also concluded a forensic audit commissioned in late 2025 and began implementing corrective governance measures, including enhanced procurement processes and stricter policy compliance frameworks.
Mrs Sibanda expressed confidence that the structural initiatives and strong brand equity will establish a solid foundation for sustainable, long-term shareholder value creation.
