NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 9 – The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has overhauled its competition framework, repealed the 2004 regulations and introduced the COMESA Competition and Consumer Protection Regulations and Rules, 2025, in a move aimed at strengthening market oversight and consumer protection.
The changes, approved by the COMESA Council of Ministers at its 46th meeting on 4 December, took effect immediately from 5 December 2025.
They also saw the COMESA Competition Commission rebranded as the COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission to reflect its expanded mandate.
“The 2025 Regulations and Rules will govern all conduct, events, and actions arising on or after 5 December 2025,” said Meti Demissie Disasa, Registrar of the Commission in a statement.
“Stakeholders are advised to adopt the new title in all official communications going forward.”
The updated framework comes with transitional provisions ensuring continuity of ongoing investigations, legal proceedings, and administrative processes initiated under the 2004 Regulations.
Existing contracts, assets, and liabilities of the former Commission will seamlessly transfer to the newly named body.
“The reforms aim to harmonize competition oversight across the region while integrating consumer protection as a core mandate.”
COMESA’s revised regulations are expected to enhance compliance among businesses operating in the 21 member states, ensuring a level playing field and safeguarding consumers against unfair trade practices.
The Commission says it has made the full 2025 Regulations and Rules publicly accessible on its website, urging all undertakings to familiarize themselves with the updates.
