- Unifreight Africa will expand its fleet from Q4 2025 to Q1 2026 to prepare for the high-demand 2026 tobacco season
- The move follows Zimbabwe’s record 2025 tobacco crop of 350 million kg, which generated US$1.2 billion in revenue.
- Even if tobacco volumes soften, Unifreight is positioned to diversify into lithium, maize, and cross-border trade to sustain growth.
Harare - Transport and Logistics company Unifreight Africa is set to expand its cross-border fleet from the fourth quarter of 2025 through the first quarter of 2026 in preparation for the upcoming tobacco season, which is expected to generate significant demand for freight capacity according to the latest half year financials for the period ended 30 June 2025.
The planned fleet growth is a strategic move aimed at ensuring Unifreight can handle increased volumes efficiently, maintain service continuity, and capitalize on opportunities across the Beira corridor and other regional trade routes.
The logistics company has emphasized that its operational readiness is crucial for supporting both private and government sector clients during the peak season.
The expansion comes on the back of Zimbabwe’s record-breaking 2025 tobacco crop, which surpassed 350 million kilograms, generating US$1.2 billion in revenue according to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB).
‘’ As we look ahead, we are preparing for the upcoming 2026 tobacco season, which is expected to bring greater demand for our capacity.
‘’Unifreight will need to grow its fleet, ensuring that we are positioned to serve the market efficiently and without interruption,’’ said the group chairperson Peter Annesley.
In terms of performance ,group revenue reached ZWG 545.5 million while profit for the period stood at ZWG 202.36 million, representing significant growth and highlighting both the rising demand for logistics services and effective cost management.
Operationally, the company has been expanding its cross-border fleet, reinforcing its position as a leading player in regional logistics. Its 4PL division has also grown rapidly, leveraging partnerships with trusted third-party operators to manage excess volumes and scale capacity efficiently.
These initiatives have positioned Unifreight to respond proactively to seasonal surges in demand, particularly in agricultural commodities like tobacco.
Looking ahead, Unifreight’s fleet expansion positions it to capture the surge in demand from Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry, but even if the 2026 tobacco season falls short of expectations, the company is strategically placed to diversify into other growth sectors such as lithium, maize, and cross-border trade.
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