Africa Competition Bodies Meet to Tackle Trade Challenges Amid Global Economic Pressures

 

Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Dennis Londo, has said that the ongoing African competition authorities’ conference has brought together key stakeholders from across the continent to address challenges affecting the business sector.

Londo noted that the meeting involves participants from more than 37 countries and is aimed at strengthening cooperation among competition institutions in Africa. Speaking at the conference, he emphasized that one of the main objectives is to exchange experiences and build capacity in regulating fair market competition.

He stressed the importance of sharing strategies and approaches to address common challenges facing different countries, noting that globalization has made economies more interconnected.

“Today’s world has become like a global village, where challenges in one country can easily affect another. This conference provides an opportunity to learn from one another and find joint solutions to issues affecting trade across Africa,” he said.

Londo also highlighted that global economic shifts, including conflicts and rising energy prices, have significantly impacted production and distribution systems. These factors have increased production costs and affected the availability of goods and services.

As a result, he warned of the growing risk of illegal trade, where some traders may cut costs by compromising product quality and safety, posing a major challenge to regulatory authorities.

He said competition bodies have a critical role in ensuring consumer protection by guaranteeing access to quality goods at fair prices. However, he acknowledged that current challenges require innovative approaches and closer cross-border collaboration.

Meanwhile, Director General of the Fair Competition Commission (FCC), Khadija Ngasongwa, said the conference also includes over 53 private members and regional institutions such as those from the East African Community (EAC) and COMESA, aiming to strengthen cooperation and collective capacity.

She explained that the platform allows experts to collaborate on cross-border issues, where challenges in one country can have ripple effects in others, making cooperation essential.

“There are working groups focusing on various areas, including consumer education and investigation of anti-competitive practices. These groups play a vital role in ensuring a fair and competitive market,” she said.

On rising prices, Ngasongwa clarified that not all price increases are due to unfair practices by traders, but can also result from natural disasters or global economic conditions. She emphasized the need for thorough investigations before taking action, alongside continued consumer education to enable informed decision-making.