Logistics group Unifreight Africa Limited (Unifreight) is accelerating its fleet expansion programme, with plans to add 70 trucks in 2026 and grow its total fleet to 340 vehicles by year-end, as it anticipates volumes growth driven by the tobacco industry.
The Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed company said the expansion will be supported by a broader replacement programme involving 80 vehicles, including 70 FAW 380FT units and 10 collection-and-delivery trucks aimed at strengthening last-mile distribution.
The move comes as the group scales up operations across its core logistics segments, particularly tobacco transport, where volumes are projected to exceed 100 million kilogrammes this year, from 84 million kilogrammes recorded in 2025.
Management said the additional fleet capacity will be critical in meeting rising demand, while improving efficiency across key corridors and domestic routes.
The expansion drive coincides with the transport company’s solid financial performance in the year ended 31 December 2025, underpinned by growth in cross-border logistics and fourth-party logistics services.
Revenue for the period rose to ZiG1.3 billion, supported by diversification initiatives and stronger performance across the group’s core business platforms.
Operating income (EBITDA) stood at ZiG186.7 million, while profit before tax reached ZiG74 million.
Total assets closed the year at ZiG1.27 billion, reflecting the capital-intensive nature of the business, particularly investment in vehicles and equipment required to support time-sensitive logistics operations.
In the outlook, management has set clear operational targets for 2026, including improving on-time delivery rates to 93 percent from the current 90 percent. The group also aims to reduce operational costs in its less-than-truckload segment by 10 percent.
Additional efficiency measures include tightening proof-of-delivery timelines to within three days and improving fleet availability to 93 percent, up from 91 percent.
The group said these initiatives will be supported by continued investment in engineering capacity, route optimisation and service discipline.
Despite a challenging operating environment, the group expressed confidence in its growth trajectory, citing ongoing investment in fleet renewal, corridor capacity and supply chain integration as key drivers of future performance. – TML