Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | The COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission has issued a strong warning to businesses across its member states against exploiting the ongoing Middle East crisis, cautioning that firms engaging in price gouging, hoarding or collusion will face strict enforcement action. In an urgent statement, CCCC …
Read More »COMESA’s airlines struggle to keep up
Regional watchdog, aviation experts push enforcement of 2025 consumer protection rules as delays and cancellations surge NEWS ANALYSIS | JULIUS BUSINGE | When Moses collected his luggage at an East African airport, he expected a routine arrival. Instead, he found opened gadget packages in his side bag—items he said he …
Read More »COMESA tightens competition rules on cross-border deals, digital platforms
Consumer advocates say the changes are overdue given the rapid expansion of mobile internet and digital services across COMESA member states Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa has adopted its most far-reaching overhaul of competition and consumer protection rules in more than two …
Read More »Four regional blocs, one regulatory vision
Africa’s competition chiefs forge united regulatory front NEWS ANALYSIS | JULIUS BUSINGE | Four of Africa’s most influential regional competition authorities have signed a cooperation pact that could reshape how cross-border mergers, consumer protection and market conduct are regulated across 38 countries. The Memorandum of Understanding, signed in Livingstone, Zambia …
Read More »COMESA launches 2025 Competition and Consumer Protection Regulations
Livingstone, Zambia | JULIUS BUSINGE | The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has officially launched the COMESA Competition and Consumer Protection Regulations 2025 in Livingstone, Zambia, marking a significant shift in the region’s competition and consumer protection framework. The launch, which began on February 24, has drawn …
Read More »COMESA launches inquiry into acquisition of Cold Solutions East Africa by Inspired Evolution
Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | The COMESA Competition Commission has formally opened an inquiry into the proposed acquisition of Cold Solutions East Africa Holdings Limited by Inspired Evolution Managers Limited, setting in motion a regional regulatory review of the transaction under the bloc’s competition rules. In a Merger Inquiry Notice dated …
Read More »COMESA warns of BMW fire risk in 12,491 recalled vehicles across member states
Kampala, Uganda | Julius Businge | The COMESA Competition Commission (CCC) has issued a consumer alert to all 21 member states, including Uganda, following a safety recall of 12,491 BMW vehicles by BMW Group South Africa. The recall, announced after product control checks and customer complaints, affects several BMW series sold …
Read More »COMESA watchdog steps up oversight with tougher action on mergers
The agency has reviewed more than 480 mergers and acquisitions, 50 restrictive business practices, and 60 consumer protection cases Nairobi, Kenya | Julius Businge | The COMESA Competition Commission (CCC) has reaffirmed its position as the regional watchdog for fair competition and consumer protection, releasing data that points to an …
Read More »COMESA Competition Commission defends lengthy case investigation process
Kampala, Uganda | Julius Businge | The Chief Executive Officer of the COMESA Competition Commission (CCC), Willard Mwemba, has defended the lengthy timelines involved in the Commission’s case investigations, saying the process is necessary to ensure credibility, accuracy, and fairness in decision-making. Mwemba made the remarks during a news conference held …
Read More »COMESA Competition Commission issues consumer alert on 5,000 Ford Vehicles over safety concerns
LILONGWE, MALAWI | Julius Businge | The COMESA Competition Commission (CCC) has issued a consumer alert to the general public concerning a major safety recall involving more than 5,000 Ford vehicles manufactured between 2021 and 2025. The recall, announced in July 2025 by Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, affects …
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