Zimbabwe Logistics and Warehousing Market Outlook to 2029

The report titled “Zimbabwe Logistics and Warehousing Market Outlook to 2029 - By Mode of Transport (Road, Rail, Air, Sea), By End-User Industry (FMCG, Retail, Mining, Agriculture, Pharma), By Type of Warehousing (Ambient, Cold Chain, Bonded), and By Region” provides a comprehensive analysis of the logistics and warehousing industry in Zimbabwe. The report covers the market’s genesis and overview, overall market size in terms of revenue, key segmentation, trends and developments, regulatory framework, customer profiling, challenges and issues, competitive landscape including player profiles, cross-comparisons, opportunities and bottlenecks, and company benchmarking. The report concludes with forward-looking projections based on revenue, sectoral demand, infrastructure developments, government initiatives, and successful case studies that highlight key opportunities and cautionary signals.

Zimbabwe Logistics and Warehousing Market Overview and Size

The Zimbabwe logistics and warehousing market was valued at approximately USD 1.3 Billion in 2023, driven by increasing intra-regional trade, investments in infrastructure, and a growing demand for organized warehousing from the retail and agricultural sectors. Key players in the market include Swift Transport, Bolloré Logistics, DHL Zimbabwe, Unifreight Africa, and Bak Logistics, who are known for their nationwide presence, multimodal capabilities, and customized logistics solutions.

In 2023, the Zimbabwean government introduced incentives under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) to support logistics modernization, including improvements in the Beitbridge Border Post and road-to-rail revival programs. Harare, Bulawayo, and Mutare emerged as logistics hotspots due to their strategic locations and proximity to industrial clusters and borders.

What Factors are Leading to the Growth of the Zimbabwe Logistics and Warehousing Market

• Trade Facilitation and Border Upgrades: The upgrade of the Beitbridge Border Post—Southern Africa’s busiest border—has significantly improved customs clearance times, reducing logistics bottlenecks and promoting faster cross-border movement of goods. In 2023, average clearance times reduced by over 45%, boosting trade with South Africa and the SADC region.

• Agricultural and Mining Sector Growth: The surge in agricultural exports (tobacco, maize) and mineral production (platinum, gold, lithium) has heightened the need for reliable freight and specialized warehousing services. In 2023, agriculture and mining contributed over 35% of logistics demand in Zimbabwe.

• Retail and E-Commerce Expansion: With growing urbanization and mobile penetration, Zimbabwe’s retail and e-commerce sectors are expanding, creating demand for last-mile delivery and urban warehousing. In 2023, e-commerce-related deliveries increased by nearly 18%, according to the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe.

Which Industry Challenges Have Impacted the Growth for Zimbabwe Logistics and Warehousing Market

• Inadequate Infrastructure and Road Conditions: Poor road infrastructure and limited investment in rail networks continue to hinder efficient transportation. According to the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA), over 60% of trunk roads are in poor condition, leading to increased transit times and vehicle maintenance costs. This reduces supply chain efficiency and discourages logistics providers from expanding into rural or cross-border routes.

• Forex Shortages and Fuel Instability: The volatile currency environment and scarcity of foreign exchange impact the availability of imported logistics equipment and fuel. In 2023, Zimbabwe experienced fuel shortages in major cities at least five times, disrupting delivery schedules. Logistic operators are often forced to operate with thin margins or delay shipments, affecting client satisfaction and reliability.

• Bureaucratic Customs Processes: Delays at customs checkpoints, particularly at Beitbridge and Chirundu borders, lead to significant dwell time and increased operating costs. Despite some improvements, the average border clearance time still exceeds 48 hours for cargo trucks. This creates unpredictability for time-sensitive goods like perishable agricultural produce and pharmaceutical shipments.

What are the Regulations and Initiatives which have Governed the Market

• National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1): The Government of Zimbabwe has prioritized logistics infrastructure under its NDS1 (2021–2025) plan, which includes rehabilitation of roads, modernization of border posts, and support for private warehousing investments. By 2023, over 600 km of major highways had been rehabilitated, particularly along the north-south trade corridor.

• Beitbridge Border Post Modernization: Through a public-private partnership, Zimbabwe completed the first phase of Beitbridge border upgrade in 2023, reducing average customs processing time by nearly 45%, and implementing digital scanning and clearance systems to ease cargo congestion.

• Incentives for Warehouse Development: The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) offers tax breaks and duty exemptions on equipment for companies developing bonded and cold chain warehouses. In 2023, ZIDA approved 12 new warehousing projects under its special economic zone program, largely catering to agricultural and FMCG sectors.

Zimbabwe Logistics and Warehousing Market Segmentation

• By Mode of Transport: Road transport dominates the logistics market due to its extensive connectivity across urban centers, mining areas, and agricultural hubs. It is widely preferred for last-mile deliveries and intercity freight because of its flexibility and faster turnaround times. Rail transport, though underutilized due to aging infrastructure, is crucial for bulk cargo such as minerals and grain. Air freight holds a small but vital share for high-value and time-sensitive goods, while sea freight is facilitated via ports in Mozambique (Beira) and South Africa (Durban), acting as gateways for imports and exports.

• By End-User Industry: FMCG and Retail sectors are the largest end-users due to growing consumer demand, urbanization, and the expansion of supermarkets and modern retail chains. Mining and Minerals follow closely, driven by high volumes of platinum, gold, and coal shipments requiring heavy-duty transportation and specialized warehousing. Agriculture is another significant segment, with tobacco, maize, and horticultural exports fueling logistics demand. Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare logistics are emerging, supported by the need for cold chain facilities and reliable distribution networks.

• By Type of Warehousing: Ambient warehouses dominate the market, catering to general goods, electronics, dry food products, and textiles. Cold chain warehouses are growing steadily due to increasing demand from agriculture, FMCG, and pharmaceuticals, though infrastructure constraints limit their capacity. Bonded warehouses serve as a crucial storage option for imports and exports, enabling deferred customs duties and smoother cross-border trade operations.

Competitive Landscape in Zimbabwe Logistics and Warehousing Market

The Zimbabwe logistics and warehousing market is moderately consolidated, with a few established players operating across road, rail, and warehousing services. The entry of global players, along with the expansion of regional logistics and e-commerce support firms, has diversified the landscape. Key players include Swift Transport, Bolloré Logistics, DHL Zimbabwe, Unifreight Africa, Bak Logistics, and Skylake Logistics, each offering varying degrees of multimodal transport, storage, and customs clearance services.

Some of the recent competitor trends and key information about competitors include:

• Swift Transport: One of the oldest logistics providers in the country, Swift handled over 1.2 million consignments in 2023. With a focus on road freight, the company expanded its regional operations to Zambia and Mozambique, and launched digital tracking tools for bulk clients.

• Bolloré Logistics: A global player with regional dominance, Bolloré strengthened its Zimbabwe operations by opening a new bonded warehouse near Beitbridge border in 2023. The facility has a capacity of 8,000 pallet positions, catering to importers and exporters in FMCG and agri-commodities.

• DHL Zimbabwe: Known for its air and express logistics capabilities, DHL recorded a 28% rise in SME shipping volumes in 2023. The company has invested in last-mile delivery solutions and offers specialized cold chain logistics for pharmaceuticals and perishables.

• Unifreight Africa: Listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, Unifreight operates a fleet of over 350 trucks. In 2023, it invested in a digital freight management platform that allowed for 15% reduction in turnaround time and improved delivery transparency.

• Bak Logistics: A subsidiary of TSL Limited, Bak operates bonded and ambient warehouses in Harare and Bulawayo. The company enhanced its capacity by adding 6,000 sqm of warehousing space in 2023, primarily to support agricultural export clients.

• Skylake Logistics: A fast-growing private logistics firm, Skylake focuses on e-commerce, last-mile delivery, and retail logistics. The company reported a 40% YoY growth in parcel volumes, with strong demand from online retailers and FMCG distributors.

What Lies Ahead for Zimbabwe Logistics and Warehousing Market?

The Zimbabwe logistics and warehousing market is projected to witness steady growth by 2029, supported by increased trade activity, infrastructure upgrades, and growing demand from agriculture, mining, and FMCG sectors. The market is expected to register a moderate but stable CAGR during the forecast period, driven by regional integration, digital transformation, and policy support.

• Infrastructure Modernization and Corridor Development: The ongoing rehabilitation of key trade corridors such as Harare-Beitbridge and Harare-Chirundu Highways is expected to improve freight efficiency and reduce costs. These upgrades, combined with the revival of the National Railways of Zimbabwe, will enhance multimodal logistics capacity and attract regional transit traffic.

• Expansion of Cold Chain and Agri-Logistics: With agriculture playing a central role in Zimbabwe’s economy, there will be a growing need for cold chain warehousing and reefer transport to support exports of horticulture, dairy, and meat products. Investments in solar-powered cold storage solutions are expected to fill critical gaps in the value chain.

• Digitalization of Supply Chains: The adoption of digital freight platforms, GPS-enabled fleet tracking, and warehouse management systems is anticipated to rise across logistics firms. This will enable real-time inventory management, better route optimization, and improved transparency for clients—particularly beneficial for SMEs and exporters.

• Regional Trade Integration and Free Trade Incentives: Zimbabwe’s active participation in regional blocs like SADC and AfCFTA will open new avenues for cross-border trade. Harmonization of customs procedures increased dry port access, and bilateral trade agreements will strengthen Zimbabwe’s position as a land-linked logistics hub for southern Africa.

Zimbabwe Logistics and Warehousing Market Segmentation

• By Mode of Transport:
o Road Transport
o Rail Transport
o Air Freight
o Sea Freight (via Beira and Durban Ports)

• By End-User Industry:
o FMCG
o Retail & E-Commerce
o Mining & Minerals
o Agriculture & Agro-Processing
o Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare
o Construction & Industrial Materials

• By Type of Warehousing:
o Ambient Warehousing
o Cold Chain Warehousing
o Bonded Warehousing
o Distribution Centers
o Cross-Docking Facilities
o Container Freight Stations (CFS)

• By Ownership Model:
o Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
o In-House Logistics
o Public Warehouses
o Private Warehouses
o Government-Operated Facilities

• By Region:
o Harare
o Bulawayo
o Mutare
o Masvingo
o Beitbridge Corridor
o Cross-Border (Mozambique, Zambia, South Africa-facing)

Players Mentioned in the Report:

• Swift Transport
• Bolloré Logistics
• DHL Zimbabwe
• Unifreight Africa
• Bak Logistics
• Skylake Logistics
• Widdicom Transport
• ZIMLOG
• TSL Limited (Bak Subsidiary)

Key Target Audience:

• Logistics and Freight Companies
• Warehousing and Cold Storage Providers
• Manufacturing and Retail Corporates
• Agriculture and Mining Exporters
• Infrastructure Development Authorities
• Investment Promotion Agencies (e.g., ZIDA)
• Government and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., Ministry of Transport, ZIMRA)
• Donor Organizations Supporting Trade Facilitation
• Trade Finance Institutions and 3PL Integrators

Time Period:

• Historical Period: 2018–2023
• Base Year: 2024
• Forecast Period: 2024–2029