The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
DHL Global Forwarding has launched in Zimbabwe to extend its presence across Africa.
The global air, ocean, and road freight services provider will give local and regional businesses within the greater Southern African Development Community (Sadc) instant access to global markets.
Said DHL Global Forwarding Zimbabwe country manager, Ms Shuvai Mugadza:
“Zimbabwe is on the cusp of strong economic growth, and we believe our new offering is well-timed to help the country achieve this. Our deep knowledge of the Sadc and other markets on the African continent will be invaluable to our clients as they prepare for global expansion.
“Against the backdrop of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), which aims to create the world’s largest Free Trade area by connecting 1,3 billion people across 54 countries, we are confident that with DHL Global Forwarding Zimbabwe, logistics will not let Africa down.”
As a first step, DHL Global Forwarding has set up a legal entity currently employing eight graduate trainees with an office in Harare’s central business district.
The new entity comprises a full suite of innovative technology solutions and exceptional market knowledge to successfully address the challenges faced by the country’s freight forwarding and logistics industry.
The offering also includes the DHL subsidiary, Saloodo!, a digital road freight platform connecting shippers and transport providers.
The platform maps all transport processes digitally, including shipment tracking, freight document management, invoicing and payment.
DHL Global Forwarding provides the mass network to move heavy machinery by road – mostly imported from China, Germany, and India – for Zimbabwe’s mining and manufacturing sectors.
The logistics provider’s air freight services will support the export of perishable goods, currently Zimbabwe’s most significant export commodity, as well as tobacco and hemp.
Added Mugadza:
“The expansion of DHL’s services in Zimbabwe will also accommodate the global export of agricultural products, a season-driven sector, as well as that of gold, the country’s top mineral export.
“The focus on exports is constantly changing, and meeting these demands requires agile logistics partners on the ground, which is where DHL Global Forwarding can add noticeable value.”
