DHL Express set for significant expansion of service centres in Zimbabwe

DHL Express is planning a major expansion in its network of service centres in Zimbabwe, according to local reports. A report published in The Herald claimed that the company intends to ramp up its current network of 100 service centres to 1,000 by the end of the year, by forging more partnerships with electronics goods stores, travel agencies and small grocery shops.

The newspaper quoted DHL Express Zimbabwe country manager Jeff Phiri as saying that engaging retail partners was “more cost effective” for the company than building its own new branches.

The company will complement the expansion in service centres with a major investment in its fleet of delivery vehicles. Phiri reportedly said that DHL has placed a “massive” order with Volkswagen.

Phiri also told local news provider The Source that the expansion has been spurred, at least in part, by the European Union’s (EU) decision in November to ease European sanctions on Zimbabwean goods.