The COMESA Competition Commission (CCC) has intensified its oversight in agriculture and food markets across the region, placing these sectors at the forefront of its regulatory and advocacy priorities. Recognizing their critical role in livelihoods and regional economies, the CCC has moved beyond enforcement to adopt a broader approach that includes in-depth research and policy advocacy.
In 2024, the CCC prioritized these markets due to their susceptibility to anti-competitive practices and their impact on low-income populations. Through the African Market Observatory Project, the Commission deepened research into key agricultural sub-sectors such as fertilizers, seeds, and meat, identifying structural and policy-induced barriers to fair competition.
Studies revealed that poor market functioning in these areas often stems not only from corporate misconduct but also from unintentional policy distortions. The research findings have informed targeted recommendations disseminated to stakeholders, including national authorities and regional policymakers, aimed at driving policy reform for more equitable market dynamics.
A completed study on the meat sector examined barriers to entry and consumer concerns, while the fertilizer study scheduled for release in 2025 focuses on pricing inefficiencies and supply chain weaknesses. A new investigation into the seed market is also underway, with additional research planned for sugar and poultry markets in the coming year.
The Commission reviewed several agriculture-related mergers to assess their competitive impact. These included transactions involving major global firms, which were cleared after evaluations showed no significant threats to competition. However, the CCC emphasized the importance of ongoing scrutiny to prevent market consolidation that could harm small-scale farmers and consumers.
The CCC also expanded its influence globally, working with national and international partners to elevate the importance of competition in agriculture. Collaborative efforts with the Competition Authority of Kenya, the Competition Commission of South Africa, and the Shamba Centre for Food and Climate Change highlight a commitment to aligning competition regulation with sustainability and food security goals.
Technical support, capacity building, and legislative assistance were extended to several member states to enhance enforcement frameworks. As inflation and economic pressures persist across the region, the CCC’s proactive role in the agriculture and food markets stands out as a strategic move to promote fair pricing, protect smallholders, and embed competition principles in regional development.
