Competition watchdog probes Unifreight’s US$2m Cheetah deal

STAFF WRITER
The Competition and Tariff Commission (CTC) is assessing Unifreight Africa Limited’s proposed acquisition of an 86,67% shareholding in Cheetah Express Logistics (Private) Limited in a transaction that could significantly reshape Zimbabwe’s courier and logistics industry.
In a General Notice issued in terms of Section 28 of the Competition Act [Chapter 14:28], the commission said it had commenced an investigation into the proposed transaction to determine its implications for competition and the public interest.
The regulator said the assessment would establish whether the merger is likely to substantially lessen competition in Zimbabwe or any significant segment of the market, or create a monopoly that would be contrary to public interest.
“The commission wants to determine whether the proposed merger is likely to substantially lessen the degree of competition in Zimbabwe or any substantial part of it; or is likely to result in the creation of a monopoly situation which is or will be contrary to public interest,” the CTC said in the notice.
The commission added that it would also evaluate how the merged entity would operate should the transaction receive regulatory approval, together with any other issues arising from the proposed deal.
As part of the review process, the CTC has invited interested stakeholders and members of the public to submit written representations outlining how they may be affected by the transaction. Submissions must be made by July 6, 2026.
The investigation follows Unifreight Africa’s recent announcement that it had signed a Sale of Shares Agreement to acquire an effective 86,67% stake in Cheetah Express Logistics for US$2,08 million.
If approved, the transaction will give the listed logistics group control of Zimbabwe’s sole authorised Global Service Participant for FedEx Express, substantially strengthening its presence in the express courier market.
Unifreight, whose customer-facing brand Swift recently marked 80 years of operations, said the acquisition forms part of its strategy to deepen international connectivity and diversify revenue streams beyond traditional freight services.
Cheetah Express has been a FedEx partner since 1992 and provides courier, customs clearance, pick-up and delivery services across Zimbabwe.
The proposed acquisition is expected to create one of the country’s more integrated logistics platforms, combining Unifreight’s established freight operations with Cheetah Express’s international courier capabilities.