CCPC IN COLLABORATION WITH SECTOR REGULATORS COMMEMORATES WORLD COMPETITION DAY

2025-12-08

Today, 5th December 2025, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) joins the global community and other Competition Authorities around the world in commemorating World Competition Day (WCD) under the theme “Artificial Intelligence (AI), Consumers and Competition Policy.”

This year’s theme focuses on the emerging and complicated risks associated with advancing technologies. AI is redesigning the methods of distributing goods and services and bringing new opportunities for consumers and businesses in Zambia. However, as AI becomes more powerful and common, it also creates new risks in how companies compete.

Simply put, Artificial intelligence is when computers are taught to think and make decisions like people. Key concerns arising from its use include market concentration in foundational AI models; algorithmic collusion and tacit coordination; abuse of dominance and ecosystem lock-ins. For example, algorithms may “quietly agree” on prices, or companies may use their dominant position to lock consumers into one ecosystem.

These risks can harm consumers in several ways: prices may go up in a coordinated way; companies may bundle products together, limiting choice; and AI may reduce market variety. Consumers may end up paying more, having fewer choices, and getting less value. Other concerns include privacy breaches, algorithmic bias, fraud, impersonation, and safety and reliability failures.

In short, while AI can make life better, it can also reduce consumer welfare if not properly regulated. These harms are typically addressed through a mix of consumer protection laws, sectoral regulations, and emerging AI-specific frameworks.

CCPC celebrates WCD together with sector regulators. CCPC and other regulators support and safeguard consumer welfare through complementary pieces of legislation.

As part of the commemoration, the Commission exhibited at Levy Junction Shopping Mall from Tuesday, 2nd December 2025 to Friday, 5th December 2025. The public was encouraged to visit the stands and interact with CCPC and other regulators.

Happy World Competition Day.                               

CCPC

PR Unit