Zimbabwean retail chain Sai Mart will assume control of Choppies Zimbabwe operations from January 1, 2025, following Choppies Enterprises Limited’s decision to exit the market. The acquisition marks a significant change in Zimbabwe’s formal retail sector.
Raj Modi, owner of Sai Mart and Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, announced the takeover during a media briefing in Bulawayo on December 19, 2024. “As of January 1, 2025, we will take over Choppies Zimbabwe outlets, and they will be rebranded as Sai Mart,” Modi stated.
Sai Mart currently operates six branches in Bulawayo. The extent of the acquisition remains unclear, as Modi did not specify whether the deal includes all 30 Choppies outlets nationwide or only those in Bulawayo.
Choppies Enterprises Limited announced its exit from Zimbabwe on November 29, 2024, through a notice to the Botswana Stock Exchange. The company cited significant changes in Zimbabwe’s retail landscape, particularly the shift toward informal retail activities over the past two years.
The Botswana-based retailer entered Zimbabwe in 2013 through the acquisition of several Spar shops and expanded its presence by establishing a distribution centre in 2014. Its operations in Zimbabwe are conducted through its subsidiary, Nanavac (Pty) Ltd, trading as Choppies Zimbabwe.
