Bond note improves local trade

Volumes of local trade
within Zimbabwe have
increased following the
introduction of the bond
note by the central bank,
according to Martin Hogg
of TransmartAfrica.
While obtaining foreign
exchange is challenging,
companies are still
importing as “Zimbabwe
has become reliant on
exports to meet over 90%
of its needs,” he says.
This means that there
are still opportunities for
suppliers and shippers
from South Africa,
particularly those who
take a long-term view
of opportunities in the
market.
“While SA suppliers
should be tight with credit
to Zimbabwe customers,
the fact is that it is
relationships which keep
this economy alive,” he
says.
TransmartAfrica
provides a weekly,
designated date of delivery
from Johannesburg to
depots in Bulawayo and
Harare.
The service is
designed for smaller
shipments, which are then
consolidated.
In response to demand
the company recently
introduced a guaranteed
weekly priority service.
It has also opened
offices near the airport in
Harare.
TransmartAfrica has
its own forklifts on site,
as well as its own f leet of
trucks for local deliveries.