Lusaka, December 8, 2025 — COMESA has brought a new regional framework for competition and consumer protection into force and formally changed the name of its authority to the COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission, following approval by the Council of Ministers.
At its 46th meeting on December 4, the Council adopted the COMESA Competition and Consumer Protection Regulations, 2025, and the COMESA Competition and Consumer Protection Rules, 2025. Under the new regime, both instruments took effect on December 5, immediately repealing the bloc’s 2004 competition regulations and rules.
New Legal Framework and Name Change
The 2025 Regulations:
- Replace the COMESA Competition Regulations of 2004 and the COMESA Competition Rules of 2004
- Formally recognise the COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission as the regional body responsible for enforcement
From December 5, the former “COMESA Competition Commission” name is retired for future use. However, any past correspondence, contracts, or instruments issued under the previous name remain valid and are deemed to have been issued by the new Commission.
Transitional Provisions
The new rules include detailed transitional safeguards:
- Existing actions and proceedings under the 2004 framework remain valid and may be continued under the repealed regulations
- Pending cases before the Board, Appeals Board or Committee for Initial Determinations will be concluded under the 2004 Regulations
- Commissioners, staff, experts, and advisers automatically continue in their roles within the new Commission
- Assets, rights, liabilities, and contracts of the former COMESA Competition Commission are transferred seamlessly to the COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission
The Commission clarified that all proceedings and processes started before 5 December will continue to be governed by the 2004 Regulations until completed, while any conduct or events arising on or after 5 December will be assessed under the 2025 Regulations.
Next Steps for Businesses
The Commission has published the new 2025 Regulations and 2025 Rules on its website and urged undertakings and stakeholders across COMESA to familiarise themselves with the updated framework to ensure compliance.
It also asked businesses and partners to use the new title “COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission” in all official communications going forward. Queries can be directed to the Commission’s registrar and legal services email contacts.
