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Postal, courier volumes surge 39% in Zimbabwe
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Zimbabwe's postal and courier sector recorded a significant uptick in activity during the second quarter of 2025, with volumes rising by 38,97 percent to 439 561 items, up from 316 298 in the previous quarter, according to the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz).
Potraz's report revealed strong growth across multiple service categories, with international outgoing letters experiencing the most dramatic increase. Volumes jumped 608,9 percent, from 708 items in the first quarter to 5 019 in the second quarter.
Domestic services also showed notable gains. Domestic postal letters increased by 44,13 percent to 199 359 items, while domestic courier volumes rose by 44,68 percent to 153 674 items. International incoming letters and outgoing courier services recorded growth of 18,86 percent and 21,27 percent, respectively.
The report highlighted that while postal services provide an affordable, universal delivery option for letters and packages, courier services offer door-to-door delivery, real-time tracking, and enhanced security, making them popular for e-commerce and business transactions.
Analysts attribute the sector's growth to rising digital adoption and the expansion of e-commerce in Zimbabwe. Improvements in mobile and fixed broadband services, fibre optic networks, and 5G rollout have also supported demand for timely and secure delivery services.
Despite the growth in volumes, the number of operational courier outlets fell from 235 in the first quarter to 213 in the second quarter, following FedEx's closure of 22 outlets. Postal outlets, however, remained stable at 281. The decrease in outlets resulted in a higher service density, with the number of people served per outlet rising from 30 378 to 31 731.
The report underscores the evolving logistics landscape in Zimbabwe, where digital transformation is driving higher demand for both postal and courier services while reshaping how businesses and consumers access delivery solutions.
Potraz's report revealed strong growth across multiple service categories, with international outgoing letters experiencing the most dramatic increase. Volumes jumped 608,9 percent, from 708 items in the first quarter to 5 019 in the second quarter.
Domestic services also showed notable gains. Domestic postal letters increased by 44,13 percent to 199 359 items, while domestic courier volumes rose by 44,68 percent to 153 674 items. International incoming letters and outgoing courier services recorded growth of 18,86 percent and 21,27 percent, respectively.
Analysts attribute the sector's growth to rising digital adoption and the expansion of e-commerce in Zimbabwe. Improvements in mobile and fixed broadband services, fibre optic networks, and 5G rollout have also supported demand for timely and secure delivery services.
Despite the growth in volumes, the number of operational courier outlets fell from 235 in the first quarter to 213 in the second quarter, following FedEx's closure of 22 outlets. Postal outlets, however, remained stable at 281. The decrease in outlets resulted in a higher service density, with the number of people served per outlet rising from 30 378 to 31 731.
The report underscores the evolving logistics landscape in Zimbabwe, where digital transformation is driving higher demand for both postal and courier services while reshaping how businesses and consumers access delivery solutions.
Source - The Chronicle
