KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Competition Commission (CCC) and the East African Community Competition Authority (EACCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at bolstering cooperation in enforcing competition and consumer protection laws across their respective member states.
The agreement outlines how the two regional agencies will collaborate and coordinate activities related to cross-border competition and consumer protection enforcement. A key focus of the MoU is facilitating information sharing, particularly during joint investigations, which will be prioritized to safeguard competition processes and protect consumers in the region.
The MoU also provides for cooperation in conducting market inquiries and studies, offering technical assistance and capacity building, and addressing potential duplication in enforcement efforts. This collaboration is expected to create greater certainty and predictability in the market for businesses and consumers alike.
Under the new accord, both agencies have established focal points to coordinate and monitor the implementation of prioritized activities through annual work plans. Both institutions have also committed to reviewing complementary regulations and guidelines to ensure their continued relevance and effectiveness.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Stellah Onyancha, Acting Registrar of the EAC Competition Authority, emphasized the significance of the MoU. “The signing of this MoU marks a significant step towards strengthening collaboration and promoting fair competition within the regional landscape,” Onyancha said. She praised the CCC for its consistent support to EACCA since its establishment in 2016, citing technical expertise, capacity building for EACCA commissioners, and assistance in reviewing merger guidelines.
“I am confident that the MoU will further solidify the strong ties that already subsist between the EACCA and CCC, foster closer and more productive collaboration and enable the two agencies to contribute to the effective enforcement of their respective regional competition laws,” Onyancha added.
Dr. Willard Mwemba, Chief Executive Officer of the COMESA Competition Commission, described the MoU as a “milestone” concluding a lengthy negotiation process to align concurrent laws and activities. “It is our hope as COMESA Competition Commission that the signing of this MOU will enhance certainty to business merging within the COMESA and EAC Region, increase detection of cross border anti-competitive practices and consumer violations, and lead to enhanced cross border enforcement,” Mwemba stated.
The CCC, a regional competition and consumer protection agency, was established by the COMESA Competition Regulations of 2004. It regulates competition and consumer protection matters in 21 COMESA member states. The EACCA, an institution of the EAC, was established by the EAC Competition Act, 2006, and exercises a similar mandate in eight Partner States. Six of the EAC Partner States are also members of COMESA.
