Online Reporter
Business Reporter
THE Competition and Tariff Commission has launched an investigation into Unifreight Africa Limited’s proposed acquisition of an 86,67 percent shareholding in Cheetah Express Logistics (Private) Limited, which could reshape Zimbabwe’s courier and logistics sector.
In a General Notice issued under Section 28 of the Competition Act [Chapter 14:28], the commission announced that it has commenced an assessment of the transaction to determine its potential impact on competition and the public interest.
The regulator said the investigation would seek to establish whether the proposed merger is likely to substantially lessen competition in Zimbabwe or any significant part of the market, or whether it could result in the creation of a monopoly situation 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,” CTC said in the notice.
CTC also indicated that it will assess how the merged entity would operate should the transaction receive regulatory approval, alongside other related issues arising from the proposed deal.
As part of the investigation process, the CTC has invited interested stakeholders and members of the public to submit written representations detailing how they may be affected by the transaction. Submissions are expected 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 percent stake in Cheetah Express Logistics for US$2,08 million.
The deal would give the listed logistics group control of Zimbabwe’s sole authorised Global Service Participant for FedEx Express, significantly expanding its footprint in the express courier market.
Unifreight, whose customer-facing brand Swift recently celebrated 80 years of operations, said the acquisition is aimed at strengthening international connectivity and diversifying revenue streams beyond traditional freight operations.
Cheetah Express has maintained a partnership with FedEx since 1992 and provides courier, customs clearance, pick-up and delivery services across Zimbabwe.
If approved, the transaction is expected to combine Unifreight’s extensive transport and logistics infrastructure with Cheetah’s established express courier operations, creating one of the country’s most integrated logistics service providers.
However, the outcome now rests on the commission’s competition and public interest assessment.
Unifreight Africa Limited is a transport and logistics company listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange.
