NATIONAL Handling Services, a State-owned aviation ground services provider, plans to double the volume of its cargo business to over 5 million kilogrammes, to consolidate its position in Zimbabwe’s aviation industry.
NHS commands an estimated 45 percent of the cargo business market share, following the liberalisation of the sector.
To support the anticipated growth, the NHS is expanding its cargo warehousing facilities in Harare, with the project expected to be completed by the end of the first half of 2026.
NHS has also doubled its cold chain capacity after commissioning a second refrigerated cargo facility in November last year.
In 2024 NHS handled 2,85 million kilogrammes of cargo against the budgeted 2,9 million kilogrammes, supported by shifting airline dynamics and new partnerships.
This was a decline in volumes compared to 2023, when the NHS (when it was still a monopoly) handled 5 240 904 kilogrammes of cargo.
The coming on board of companies like Aviation Ground Services(AGS) split the NHS’s hold on the market and it now intends to reclaim that going forward.
This comes as Zimbabwe’s exports continue on a growth trajectory.
According to data released by ZimStat, cumulative export earnings for January–November 2025 totalled US$8,57 billion, a 27 percent increase from US$6,74 billion in the corresponding period in 2024.
The NHS mainly handles high-value, time-sensitive and perishable exports; a significant portion of air exports consists of horticultural products such as flowers, fresh peas, mangoes and other fruits and vegetables.
Tobacco is another key export handled through air freight. Although most of the crop is shipped, premium-grade or urgent consignments are transported by air to meet immediate demand in global markets.
Minerals and precious stones, including gold, diamonds and platinum, are also often exported via air freight, given their high value and strict security requirements.
Enhancing NHS facilities will enable the company to handle larger volumes of exports, including horticultural produce and temperature-sensitive consignments, positioning the Robert Mugabe International Airport (RGMI) as a more competitive cargo gateway.
RGMI handles more than 90 percent of the total processed volumes of cargo from/into the country.
As NHS moves grows its cargo business, it has also acquired a Unit Load Device (ULD) shed to safeguard airlines’ equipment from weather exposure.
ULDs are critical containers used to transport baggage and cargo on aircraft, as airlines require secure storage while the equipment is in the underground handler’s custody.
Further planned modernisation efforts include the electrification of airport access gates to enhance operational efficiency and security.
With strengthened airline partnerships, expanded cold storage infrastructure and growing cargo business demand, NHS is poised to deepen its footprint in Zimbabwe’s evolving air cargo market.
Speaking at NHS’s fourth annual general meeting chief executive officer, Mr Phillip Rambakudzibwa, said the long-term future of the cargo segment would be anchored on the recovery of Zimbabwe’s export volumes, particularly high-value goods transported by air.
While RGMIA remains the dominant hub, Victoria Falls International Airport is experiencing rapid growth in cargo business, particularly driven by exports of corporate and high-value goods.
Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo ranks behind Harare in cargo volume contribution, though NHS expressed optimism that Zimbabwe’s former industrial hub holds huge potential for growth, encouraging higher air freight volumes.
“We are working on expanding our cargo business. We are currently expanding our warehouse capacity and expect that particular project to be completed by the end of 2026 first half. We have already doubled our cold chain facilities from one, and we can now handle any volume that can pass through the RGMI airport in terms of cold chain cargo.
“Much of our cargo comes through Ethiopian Airlines, followed by Airlink, while Air Zimbabwe also contributes modest volumes. We have also secured new business from SolitAir, a Dubai-based cargo airline that recently commenced operations into Zimbabwe, further diversifying our airline portfolio, hence growth in our cargo business,” said Mr Phillip Rambakudzibwa.
NHS board chairman Advocate Godwin Nyengedza said the company aims to seize emerging opportunities to boost annual cargo volumes.
“The outlook is highly encouraging, as the expanded airport infrastructure is now able to accommodate twin-aisle aircraft that carry significantly larger volumes of passengers and cargo. That is expected to attract more regional and international airlines.
“Going forward, the NHS is strategically positioned to take full advantage of these emerging prospects. Management remains confident that, supported by clear strategic initiatives, strong execution, and improved operational efficiency, the company will successfully recover from the setbacks and return to a stronger growth trajectory,” said Advocate Nyengedza.
Chief director in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer David Jana, said the Government remains committed to supporting NHS in enhancing operational efficiency and to drive growth and development in the sector.
“As Government, we remain committed to supporting NHS in strengthening operational excellence and financial sustainability in alignment with NDS2 and Vision 2030,” said Engineer Jana.
Before 2020, the NHS operated as a monopoly within the passenger handling sector, managing the ground handling services for 20 airlines that operated flights into or from Zimbabwe, encompassing destinations such as Harare, Hwange, Kariba, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls.
Following the liberalisation of the sector to include new entrants, several airlines redirected their services to the new players, including Aviation Ground Services (AGS).
However, the NHS continues to maintain a dominant market position, maintaining the majority of airlines operating within Zimbabwe.-herld
