Construction federation challenges Ohorongo-Cheetah cement merger
The Construction Industries Federation of Namibia is challenging the government-approved merger between Ohorongo Cement and Cheetah Cement. The federation argues the merger will harm competition, increase prices, and negatively impact local SMEs.
Why it matters
This case highlights the tension between industrial consolidation and market competition in developing economies, specifically regarding infrastructure supply chains.
The Construction Industries Federation of Namibia (CIF) has called for the Ohorongo-Cheetah cement merger to be withdrawn, warning it threatens competition and local contractors.
The call follows industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse’s decision earlier this month to overturn the Namibia Competition Commission’s (NaCC) ruling blocking the transaction.
Whale Rock, which owns Cheetah Cement, applied to buy all shares of Schwenk Namibia, which owns Ohorongo Cement, last February.
The federation argues that the approved transaction could drive up cement prices, threaten supply security, hurt local contractors and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and negatively affect the broader construction value chain.
Published in Government Gazette notice No 229 of 2026, the decision allows the merger to proceed subject to conditions aimed at preventing job losses, preserving local production and limiting market dominance.
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