Dubai’s DFP World Secures Duty-Free Concession at ...

Dubai’s DFP World Secures Duty-Free Concession at RGMIA

**DFP World CEO Matin A.M.S (fourth left) with Zimbabwean officials after the formalisation of the group’s entry into Harare International Airport’s duty-free and bonded logistics sector**

ZimNow Business Desk

Harare – DFP World, the Dubai-based travel retail and bonded logistics operator, has formally entered Zimbabwe’s aviation retail sector after securing a multi-year concession at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare.

The concession includes a retail space inside HRE’s international terminal and operational control of a bonded warehouse for secure inventory distribution. A fully fitted store is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2025.

DFP World CEO Matin A.M.S., speaking at the signing, stressed that the Harare project is more than just retail:

“At Harare International Airport, we are not opening a store – we are establishing a strategic node. The mission is clear: full compliance, secured logistics and total operational integrity.”

The development is projected to create at least 50 local jobs by end of 2026 and host 18 brand activations in the first year. According to DFP World, the project will boost HRE’s non-aeronautical revenue by 15–20%.

Retail mix will dedicate 60% of shelf space to beauty products (perfumes, skincare, dermocosmetics), while the rest will feature spirits, tobacco, travel essentials, and curated gifting.

Duty Free Stores Zimbabwe Vice Project Manager Aiana Kaichibekova said the model aligns global standards with national priorities:

“This location reflects our retail governance model across Africa. We’re building retail aligned with national priorities and global brand expectations.”

DFP World Aviation Retail Expansion lead Aidai Usubakunova added:

“We are going to deliver the same standards in Harare as in the Gulf, Singapore or Vietnam – markets where channel integrity is non-negotiable.”

The agreement, approved by Zimbabwean aviation authorities and backed by a non-objection letter dated 16 May 2025, grants the group rights to manage duty-free retail operations and bonded warehouse facilities within the airport’s secure perimeter.

Operations will be rolled out under Duty Free Stores Zimbabwe, a wholly owned subsidiary of DFP World, operating under the Afrique identity and held via its Namibian structure.

DFP World is one of the few global players that delivers full-cycle retail infrastructure in-house, from architectural design to commissioning. The Harare operation will be supported by its global R&D and category management team in Dubai.

The move positions Zimbabwe’s main airport as part of DFP World’s African retail network, designed to leverage bonded logistics and high-standard travel retail to grow airport revenues and enhance passenger experience.

Licenses are either fully granted or in final issuance under the supervision of the Airports Company of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and the Ministry of Finance.