Source: Unifreight eyes 100m kg tobacco volume in 2026 – herald
Michael Tome
Business Reporter
Transport and logistics firm, Unifreight Africa Limited, intends to grow tobacco haulage volumes to over 100 million kilogrammes in 2026, signalling strong growth prospects in one of its key business segments.
The projected increase follows a strong performance in 2025 when the group transported 84 million kg of tobacco, showing a solid performance in its specialised agricultural logistics operations.
According to Unifreight, the anticipated growth will be supported by an aggressive fleet expansion and capacity reinforcement programme.
The company plans to add 70 trucks to its operating fleet, targeting a total fleet size of 340 trucks by December 2026.
This includes the acquisition of 80 haulage trucks with trailers, alongside 10 collection-and-delivery vehicles to strengthen less-than-truckload (LTL) operations.
Unifreight indicated that efficiency remains a central focus for the coming year, with the company targeting a 10 percent reduction in LTL operating costs compared to the 2025 financial year.
On-time delivery performance is expected to increase to 93 percent, from 90 percent, while proof-of-delivery (POD) turnaround times are projected to drop to within three days.
Fleet availability is also targeted to rise to 93 percent from 91 percent, supported by engineering improvements.
“The group is pleased to report strong execution in tobacco logistics during the 2025 financial year, with achieved transport volumes of 84 million kg. Building on this platform, the company’s 2026 financial year plan targets to transport over 100 million kg.
“Management plans further fleet and capacity reinforcement, including an additional 70 trucks in the operating plan and a targeted fleet size of 340 trucks by December 2026.
“The replacement program includes the acquisition of 80 vehicles, including 70 FAW 380FT units and 10 collection-and-delivery vehicles to support LTL,” said Unifreight Africa chairman Mr Peter Annesley in the group’s financials for the year to December 31, 2025.
In the year under review, the group’s revenue for the year reached ZiG1,30 billion, driven by strong contributions from core operations as well as cross-border logistics and fourth-party logistics (4PL) services.
Net profit for the year, however, declined to ZiG145 million from ZiG320 million in the same prior year period.
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) stood at ZiG186,7 million, while profit before tax amounted to ZiG74,05 million.
Total assets closed the period at ZiG1,27billion, highlighting the capital-intensive nature of the business and the scale of its fleet operations.
The company maintained a stable funding structure to support fleet expansion and working capital needs, with loans and borrowings recorded at ZiG4,004 million at year’s end.
Net cash generated from operating activities also stood at ZiG4,04 million, showing a positive cash generation after accounting for interest and tax.
Basic earnings per share for the year stood at 159,49 cents, with headline earnings per share marginally higher at 159,55 cents.
According to Unifreight, a combination of increased tobacco volumes, enhanced fleet capacity and tighter operational controls is expected to drive improved efficiencies and sustain growth momentum into 2026.
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