CCPC Fines Dominant Firms
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 (02 February 2026) – The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has fined dominant firms for abusing their market position, marking a major enforcement breakthrough in 2025, while approving a record K17.6 billion in investment deals, CCPC Executive Director Eunice Phiri Hamavhwa said.
Hamavhwa told journalists at a media briefing that the penalties reflect a shift toward stronger enforcement against anti-competitive conduct, even as the Commission recorded its highest-ever value of approved mergers and acquisitions.
She said the Commission intensified oversight to ensure businesses followed fair competition principles.
In 2025, the CCPC handled 103 mergers, almost matching 2024, with a total investment value of K17.6 billion and 1,191 jobs created or preserved.
According to Hamavhwa, major activity occurred in manufacturing, mining, services, agriculture, real estate, transport, banking, ICT, health, education, media, and insurance sectors.
She said merger approvals helped firms reduce costs, improve productivity, invest in innovation, and boost market competitiveness.
Key transactions included the sale of a 45 percent stake in Consolidated Gold Company of Zambia Limited and the acquisition of Clotan Steel by BSI Steel Holdings.
She added that Arkay Plastics and Mount Meru Eco Plast acquisitions ensured business continuity.
Cross-border mergers were reviewed with the COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission, covering major deals in insurance and entertainment.
Hamavhwa said compliance audits ensured adherence to prior approvals, and review processes were enhanced through stakeholder engagement and updated guidelines.
She said enforcement remained a top priority. The Commission investigated 19 abuse of dominance cases, finding excessive pricing and exclusionary conduct, and fined two enterprises.
Restrictive business practices cases fell to 38 due to better compliance and education.
Hamavhwa highlighted ride-hailing company Yango ZAM Limited, which contravened competition law.
The Commission issued fines and directives to improve driver engagement and platform transparency.
She said investigations also covered motor vehicle dealers and two cartel cases in agriculture and ICT, with training provided to ensure compliance.
On consumer protection, Hamavhwa said the Commission resolved 1,145 complaints, securing refunds and remedies totaling K4.86 million.
Most complaints were in retail, microfinance, ICT, and banking. She added that 1,960 trading premises were inspected, with non-compliant goods valued at K627,911 seized.
Hamavhwa said the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal reinforced the Commission’s powers.
She cited cases including Jimuceci vs CCPC, Saloba Limited vs CCPC, and Rusangu University, which confirmed the importance of penalties, fair pricing, and quality service delivery.
The Court of Appeal upheld CCPC penalties against Syngenta Zambia Limited, strengthening the Tribunal’s authority.
She said the Commission generated K58.9 million in non-tax revenue, exceeding the target of K55 million, while ensuring compliance through directives and authorizations.
Hamavhwa said the Commission launched the Commercial Poultry Market Inquiry to address high market concentration and limited input access.
Recommendations included reviewing licensing agreements, strengthening oversight, tightening merger control, and investigating territorial restrictions.
She said the Commission collaborated with COMESA, ICN, ICPEN, UNCTAD, and SADC, and implemented domestic initiatives such as World Consumer Rights Day activities and the CCPC-ZCSA Joint School Clubs initiative.
She added that engagements with the banking sector improved loan management, fees, transparency, ATM reliability, and mobile money services.
Hamavhwa concluded that the Commission remains committed to fostering a fair, competitive, and transparent marketplace, supporting business growth, innovation, and consumer welfare, and thanked government, industry, media, and the public for supporting accountability and compliance.
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