Greetings, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to this end of year press briefing for the year 2025. May I recognise the presence of

I am pleased to present the Commission’s key achievements for 2025, marking a year of significant progress in regulatory enforcement and business compliance, institutional development, and consumer advocacy.

Ladies and gentlemen

Throughout the year, the Commission intensified its regulatory oversight to ensure that businesses adhere to the principles of fair competition.

Mergers and acquisitions

Ladies and gentlemen

In 2025, the Commission handled a total of one hundred and three (103) merger transactions, which reflected the same number of merger transactions handled in 2024. The merger cases reviewed in 2025 had a collective investment value of approximately US$899.9 million and facilitated the creation and preservation of 1,191 direct and indirect jobs. Notable merger activity was recorded across a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, mining, services, agriculture, real estate, transport and logistics, banking, ICT, health, education, media, and insurance.

Merger transactions deliver significant economic benefits to the country. Through the review and authorisation of mergers and acquisitions, firms are able to reduce production costs and improve productivity by leveraging economies of scale. Additional benefits include job creation and increased investment, as larger and more efficient firms are often better positioned to invest in innovation, research, and development. Mergers can also enhance market competitiveness by creating stronger business entities, thereby supporting economic growth and improving the quality and availability of products and services.

Ladies and gentlemen

In the mining sector, the Commission authorised significant transactions, including the sale of a 45 percent shareholding in Consolidated Gold Company of Zambia Limited by ZCCM-Investments Holdings plc. In the manufacturing sector, mergers such as the acquisition of Clotan Steel by BSI Steel Holdings were approved after the Commission established that the transactions raised no competition or public interest concerns.

The Commission also facilitated asset acquisitions, including the transaction involving Arkay Plastics and Mount Meru Eco Plast, which ensured business continuity and operational stability. In the hospitality sector, the merger between Travel and Leisure Company Limited and Chiawa Investments and Development Company was authorised, with anticipated benefits including the promotion of employment and growth in the tourism industry. In addition, the commission reviewed over 30 cross-border mergers in collaboration with the Competition and Consumer Commission (CCCC), including major transactions in the insurance and entertainment sectors.

Ladies and gentlemen

The Commission also conducted three (3) compliance audits in 2025 for merger transactions that had previously been approved with conditions by the Commission. Compliance audits are carried out to assess the level of adherence to the conditions given to the merging parties.

The Commission continued to enhance its merger review processes through stakeholder engagement, development of compliance audit guidelines, and review of the guidelines on merger regulations.

Abuse of dominance

Ladies and gentlemen

The Commission investigated a total of nineteen (19) abuse of dominance cases in 2025 compared to 14 cases in 2024. The notable types of abuse of dominance cases included excessive pricing and exclusionary conduct, which limited access to markets for other market players. Two enterprises were fined in the cases investigated, as the Commission established that the said enterprises had abused their dominant positions of market power.

Restrictive business practices

Ladies and gentlemen

With regards to restrictive business practices (RBPs), the Commission investigated thirty-eight (38) RBP cases in 2025, representing a 7.3% decrease from 2024. Key sectors affected included retail, services, manufacturing and transport.

Ladies and gentlemen

Of note is the case involving the ride-hailing business (Yango). As you may be aware, this issue has continued to raise interest, and in December 2025, the Board of Commissioners delivered a decision on the allegations of anti-competitive business practices by Yango Zam Limited (Yango).

The investigations were initiated following complaints alleging that Yango engaged in below-cost pricing of taxi rides in order to gain a foothold in the ride-hailing market. Further allegations were that this conduct forced competitors who lacked the capacity to price below marginal cost to exit the market, after which Yango would increase prices and earn excessive profits to the detriment of consumers. The complaints further alleged that Yango was not paying taxes on its operations in Zambia, enabling it to charge lower prices than competitors who were tax-compliant.

Additional concerns were raised regarding the treatment of drivers on the platform. It was alleged that drivers were unable to cancel trips prior to picking up passengers and were not provided with key trip details, such as destination and fare, before accepting rides. Complaints also indicated that certain incentives, including weekly driver bonuses, were withdrawn or revoked without clear explanation.

Further allegations related to regulatory compliance, with claims that ride-hailing drivers operating on the yango platform did not hold licences required under the Road Traffic Act No. 11 of 2002 to operate as taxi service providers, placing traditional taxi operators at a disadvantage. It was also alleged that passengers were able to reduce fares in a manner that did not adequately account for vehicle operating costs, including wear and tear.

Following its investigations, the Board of Commissioners determined that Yango Zam Limited had contravened sections 8, 10, and 16(2)(a) of the Act. Consequently, the board directed that Yango be;

(i)          fined in accordance with the law,

(ii)        establish a physical engagement platform to allow drivers to raise grievances, concerns, and suggestions, and

(iii)      ensure that its digital platform displays trip destination and pricing information before drivers accept rides.

Additionally, the Commission also investigated authorised motor vehicle dealers on service intervals and committed to developing sector guidelines to ensure no competition infringement within the sector occurs. The Commission further investigated two cartel cases in the agriculture and ICT sectors, which were concluded in 2025.

The rise in enforcement actions is a positive indicator of the Commission's efforts to build stakeholder confidence in the Commission. The Commission anticipates that this will encourage more whistleblowers to come forward, leading to the effective resolution of reported cases. Our ongoing enforcement initiatives are designed to create favourable competition in various markets, paving the way for new entrants that will enhance consumer choice and contribute positively to the economy.

Ladies and gentlemen

These efforts underscore the Commission's commitment to fostering a level playing field and promoting fairer markets. By encouraging increased competition, growth, creativity, and innovation, the Commission aims to facilitate easier market entry for new firms, ultimately benefiting consumer welfare.

The Commission continues to implement leniency and whistleblower protection programmes to ensure openness and forthcomingness with regard to information flow during investigations, and once anti-competitive conduct is observed by whistleblowers. The Commission remains committed to strengthening market regulation, enhancing collaboration, and safeguarding consumer welfare. We appreciate the continued support of the government, stakeholders, including the media and the general public.

Consumer protection

Ladies and gentlemen

Consumer protection remains one of the core mandates. In 2025, the Commission resolved a total of one thousand one hundred and forty-five (1,145) consumer complaints, compared to one thousand four hundred and seventy-seven (1,477) cases resolved in 2024. The reduction in the number of complaints received and resolved during the year is largely attributed to the Commission’s robust consumer awareness programmes and proactive engagements with enterprises and traders. This equipped consumers with the required information and know-how to stand up for themselves and demand redress without the Commission’s intervention. For traders, the realisation that the Commission had hefty fines for engaging in unfair trading practices encouraged them to proactively resolve matters with consumers, further reducing the need for the Commission’s intervention.

The majority of complaints originated from the retail sector, which accounted for 38.22 percent of the total cases handled. Most of these complaints in the retail sector related to traders’ failure to supply goods purchased on lay-by arrangements and the supply of defective goods, particularly alternative energy products such as solar panels, inverters, and batteries, as well as electronic products including mobile phones and television sets this was followed by the microfinance sector at 27.51 percent, the information and communication technology (ict) – mobile money sector at 10.11 percent, and the banking and finance sector at 7.07 percent. The remaining 17.09 percent was attributed to other sectors of the economy.

Ladies and gentlemen

The Commission facilitated refunds amounting to K3,090,090.73 and secured product replacements, repairs, and re-performance of services valued at K1,771,300.00 for vulnerable consumers, funds that would likely have been lost without the Commission’s intervention.

This compares to refunds of K4,229,449.35 and replacements, repairs, and re-performance valued at K1,487,937.89 recorded in 2024. The slight reduction in compensation values in 2025 is attributed to the Commission’s intensified consumer sensitisation initiatives, which empowered consumers with the knowledge and confidence to seek appropriate redress directly from traders without the need for regulatory intervention.

In 2025, the Commission also collaborated with partners of like interests, such as local authorities, the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA), the Zambia Metrology Agency, the Ministry of Health, the Zambia Police Service, and other relevant regulators, to conduct joint inspections across the country. As a result, the Commission successfully inspected a total of one thousand nine hundred and sixty (1,960) trading premises across eighty-five (85) districts, resulting in the seizure of goods valued at six hundred and twenty-seven thousand nine hundred and eleven kwacha forty-nine ngwee (K627,911.49). This represented an increase from one thousand four hundred and forty-three (1,443) premises inspected in 2024. Attributed to the Commission’s deliberate approach to increased outreach activities.

Ladies and gentlemen

In line with its target of achieving a 75% successful prosecution rate, the Commission handled a total of forty-three (43) cases before the competition and consumer protection tribunal in 2024. Of these, fifteen (15) cases were concluded and awaiting judgment, thirteen (13) cases were pending determination on whether the decisions of the Board of Commissioners were within the ambit of the act, while fifteen (15) mandatory order applications involving non-compliant enterprises remained under consideration.

During the period under review, the tribunal delivered seven (7) judgments in favour of the Commission across the aviation, construction, retail, and wholesale sectors, thereby reinforcing the Commission’s enforcement and regulatory mandate.

Ladies and gentlemen

In the case of Jimuceci vs the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the Tribunal clarified the application of dominance provisions, finding that while the enterprise held a dominant position in the market, it had not abused that position as prohibited under the Act.

The tribunal also upheld the decision of the board in Saloba Limited vs the Commission, ruling that unilateral price adjustments without a contractual escalation clause constitute unfair contract terms, and ordered the enterprise to honour the original agreed price.

Ladies and gentlemen

In the case of the Commission vs Rusangu University, the tribunal affirmed that a settlement with complainants does not exempt sanctioned enterprises from statutory penalties, particularly where services were offered without the requisite accreditation.

Further, in Rustic Stone Limited vs the Commission, the tribunal held that failure to exercise reasonable care and skill in service delivery constituted a violation of the act, and ordered both a refund and payment of penalties.

The Commission also obtained mandatory orders against non-compliant enterprises, including orders compelling refunds, settlement of outstanding consumer claims, and payment of statutory penalties.

As pertains to cases before the courts, during the year, the Commission received one (1) judgment from the court of appeal for Zambia.  This case strengthens the role that the tribunal plays in reviewing the decisions of the Board of Commissioners.

Ladies and gentlemen

On 17th June 2025, the Court of Appeal passed a judgment in the case of Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and ATS Agrochemicals Limited vs syngenta zambia limited, tombwe processing limited and Precision Farming Holdings Limited. In that matter, Tombwe Processing Limited instructed its contracted farmers to purchase specific Crop Protection Agents (CPAs) from Syngenta and precision only. Syngenta and Precision had looked at their prices in order to offer a reduced price on the products.

The Court of Appeal adjudged that the respondents had contravened section 8 of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act No. 24 of 2010 and upheld the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal’s decision to impose penalties on the respondents. However, in terms of sections 9 and 16 of the Act, the Court of Appeal held that the respondents had not contravened the Act.

Ladies and gentlemen

In the course of carrying out its mandate to promote fair competition and protect consumers, the Commission administers a range of statutory processes, including the giving of directives and, in some cases, the assessment of penalties arising from confirmed contraventions. The Commission also levies prescribed fees for applications such as mergers, exemptions, and other authorisations with the purpose of defraying administrative costs. During the period 1st January 2025 to 31st December 2025, the Commission realised total non-tax revenue amounting to fifty-eight million, nine hundred and sixteen thousand, nine hundred and ninety-six kwacha and forty-four ngwee (K58,916,996.44), exceeding the approved non-tax revenue target of K55 million. This performance reflects the effective utilisation of lawful and transparent regulatory mechanisms to support compliance, implement board directives, and advance consumer protection and fair competition in the marketplace.

Research and Education

Ladies and gentlemen

On 8th April 2024, the Commission launched the commercial poultry market inquiry under Part V of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act No. 24 of 2010 and Part III of the regulations. The inquiry was prompted by stakeholder complaints, prior studies, and the Commission’s regulatory experience with mergers, anti-competitive practices, and agreements in the poultry sector.

The poultry and feed industries are vital to Zambia’s economy, serving as both key protein sources and anchors for agro-industrial growth. Despite steady expansion reaching about 53,840 metric tons of poultry meat in 2023, Zambia’s per capita poultry consumption remains lower than regional peers, signalling untapped growth potential. However, affordability constraints and weak competitiveness limit broader market development.

The inquiry revealed that the sector is characterised by high vertical integration, where a few dominant firms control breeding, feed production, processing, and distribution. This concentration limits price competition and restricts access to inputs for independent producers. In the feed market, similar dominance and strategic practices among competitors further suppress competition. High entry barriers, including capital requirements, limited breed access, and distribution challenges, exacerbate the problem.

The Commission’s key recommendations include:

·         reviewing licensing agreements to ensure fair access to breeding stock;

·         strengthening regulatory oversight and disclosure requirements for vertically integrated firms;

·         tightening merger control and monitoring of integration trends; and

·         investigating territorial and supply restrictions affecting regional competition.

Collaboration

The Commission strengthened its regional and international footprint through active collaboration with key bodies, including COMESA Competition and the Consumer Commission, UNCTAD, the International Competition Network (ICN), ICPEN, the African Competition Forum and SADC structures. Through conferences, workshops and capacity-building initiatives across Africa, Europe, and Asia, the Commission enhanced its capacity to address cross-border competition and consumer protection issues, reaffirming its commitment to fair and competitive markets.

Domestically, the Commission marked World Consumer Rights Day 2025 under the theme “a just transition to sustainable lifestyles” through nationwide awareness activities, including media engagements, exhibitions and learner outreach. This was complemented by the formal launch of the CCPC/Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) joint school clubs initiative, aimed at strengthening consumer awareness, standards compliance and fair market practices among young learners.

The Commission also prioritised stakeholder engagement as a preventive and collaborative approach to enforcement. Notably, it engaged the banking sector on consumer concerns related to loan management fees, transparency of charges, loan tenure adjustments linked to policy rate changes, atm service reliability, transaction reversals and mobile money–bank integration challenges. These engagements underscore the Commission’s focus on improving consumer experiences through dialogue, transparency and sustained cooperation with industry stakeholders.

Ladies and gentlemen

As I conclude, allow me to extend my gratitude to the Government, Board of Commissioners, regulatory partners, industry stakeholders, the press and the public for their continued support in promoting a fair and transparent marketplace.