HARARE – Duty Free Stores Zimbabwe, a subsidiary of Dubai-based travel retail and bonded logistics operator DFP World, has been granted a nationwide duty-free retail licence, allowing it to expand its operations across Zimbabwe.
The authorisation was published in the Government Gazette on 13 March, granting the company the legal mandate to conduct duty-free activities in locations across the country where such trade is permitted.
The licence follows the company’s earlier agreement to operate at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare. Last year, DFP World finalised a multi-year concession covering duty-free retail operations and bonded warehouse management at the airport.
Under the new nationwide licence, Duty Free Stores Zimbabwe will operate from its Harare base to support a wide range of activities. These include duty-free retail services for international travellers, diplomatic and institutional supply, brand representation, import and distribution, as well as tax-exempt supply channels for authorised clients.
The development forms part of the company’s broader strategy to expand travel retail infrastructure in Zimbabwe and strengthen supply chains for international brands operating in the country.
Speaking previously about the venture, DFP World Chief Executive Officer Matin A. M. S. said the company spent several years studying the Zimbabwean market before entering it.
“Zimbabwe is the result of about six years of work in studying the place, legal aspects and logistics,” he said.
He added that the company intends to integrate its retail operations closely with global brand partners to enhance product authenticity and improve the travel retail experience.
According to Matin A.M.S., the concept being introduced at Harare’s international airport will offer a new retail experience for travellers.
“Travellers will feel the freshness and originality of a concept built directly in partnership with brand owners,” he said. “This will be a totally different type of shopping experience compared to what they have ever seen in many African airports.”
The expansion of duty-free retail operations is expected to support tourism, improve retail services for international passengers, and strengthen Zimbabwe’s integration into global travel retail networks.
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