Zimpost inks deal with Tanzania Post

QUASI-GOVERNMENT institution, Zimpost, has struck a deal with the Tanzania Post which will allow Zimbabweans to buy from the Zimbabwe Mall — an online platform — their favourite items from Tanzania shops, with Tanzania Post collecting and sending to Zimpost, for the last mile door-to-door deliveries.

Zimpost acting postmaster general Isaac Muchokomori told NewsDay Business that there has been an increase in transactions involving last mile delivery of items shopped online mainly due to the global pandemic which has restricted movement of people and traders alike.

As such, they have struck several partnerships to continue growing their e-commerce business.

“On the sidelines of the recently held Pan-African Postal Union Conference in Victoria Falls, Zimpost and Tanzania Post agreed to launch an informal traders cross-border logistics project. This allows Zimbabweans to buy from the Zimbabwe Mall their favourite items from Tanzania shops, with Tanzania Post collecting and sending to Zimpost, for the last mile door-to-door deliveries,” Muchokomori said.

“Zimpost believes that it is making a difference in the lives of people, communities and trade through this service as it cuts costs and helps the government in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Muchokomori said Zimpost had also signed agreements with major retailers and pharmaceutical companies to ensure that people observing the lockdown could purchase groceries and other items from the comfort of homes, while it delivers at their doorstep.

This service obviates the need for social distancing as customers have the option to avoid going to shops physically, he said.

In December 2020, the government officially launched the national online Shopping Mall dubbed the zimbabwemall.post.

This is an online platform — a virtual marketplace where sellers and buyers meet to e-transact and advertise with Zimpost’s offering the delivery logistics to facilitate the smooth flow of the transactions.

Muchokomori said this development was part of the Zimpost drive to become a smart post office by 2030 in line with the Zimbabwe ICT Master Plan.