Understanding trends in merger regulations in Africa

The landscape of merger regulations and inter-agency cooperation in Africa is a complex and evolving one. In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, Willard Mwemba, the Head of Mergers and Acquisitions at the COMESA Competition Commission in Malawi, shed light on the challenges and opportunities in this dynamic field. COMESA, which stands for the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, consists of 19 member states and plays a crucial role in ensuring fair competition and efficient market operations across jurisdictions. Mwemba emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing anti-competitive practices that transcend national boundaries. While the region faces challenges in consistency and resource allocation, there is a growing recognition of the need for enhanced collaboration among competition authorities. Mwemba highlighted successful cases of cooperation with other agencies, such as in the Google and Lafaj Hossim transactions, which resulted in uniform and predictable decisions benefiting both regulators and businesses. Despite the political sensitivities surrounding competition law enforcement, Mwemba affirmed the commitment of COMESA to uphold its mandate free from undue interference. The Commission remains vigilant in launching investigations and leveraging market trends to uncover anti-competitive behavior, even in the face of potential information leaks. Overall, Mwemba's insights offer valuable perspectives on the complexities and opportunities in navigating merger regulations and fostering inter-agency cooperation in Africa.