Civil society organisations have raised concerns over Uganda’s proposed tax measures for the 2026/27 financial year, warning that an overreliance on indirect taxes could raise the cost of living, slow economic activity, and disproportionately affect low-income households.

Presenting their analysis at a breakfast meeting in Kampala on April 10, stakeholders under the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG) said while some proposals improve fairness, others risk undermining gains by increasing pressure on consumers and key sectors of the economy.

CSBAG welcomed the government’s proposal to raise the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) threshold from UGX 235,000 to UGX 335,000 per month, noting that it would increase disposable income for low-wage earners and make the tax system more equitable. However, the group argued that these gains could be offset by higher indirect taxes on essential goods and services.

Among the most contentious proposals is the increase in excise duty on sugar from UGX 100 to UGX 300 per kilogram, alongside a UGX 200 per litre hike on petrol and diesel. Civil society actors warn that these adjustments will likely cascade through the economy, raising transport costs and pushing up prices of basic commodities.

The planned doubling of excise duty on cement—from UGX 500 to UGX 1,000 per 50kg bag—has also drawn criticism, with CSBAG cautioning that it could further strain Uganda’s already constrained housing sector. Rising construction costs, they argue, could slow down building activity and worsen housing affordability.

Similarly, the proposal to increase the surcharge on imported second-hand clothes to 30 percent is seen as potentially disruptive. While intended to support domestic textile manufacturing, CSOs warn that the move could shrink supply in a market still heavily dependent on imports, leading to higher prices before local production capacity can fill the gap.

On the digital economy front, civil society groups expressed support for the introduction of a uniform 0.25 percent levy on cash withdrawals across the financial system. This would effectively reduce the current 0.5 percent charge on mobile money transactions while broadening the tax base to include other platforms.

They argue that although the lower rate may reduce revenue in the short term, expanding the tax net could drive long-term gains, with transaction values projected to double over the medium term. However, they stressed that this reform should be complemented by removing import duties on entry-level smartphones to accelerate digital inclusion and economic activity.

CSBAG Executive Director Julius Mukunda criticised the broader tax strategy for focusing on increasing rates within an already narrow tax base instead of significantly expanding it.

Civil society organisations further warned that continued tax exemptions in some sectors undermine revenue mobilisation efforts, effectively shifting the burden onto ordinary taxpayers. At the same time, they noted that targeted “sin taxes” and improved enforcement could boost revenue while supporting public health objectives if carefully implemented.

Ultimately, the groups say the central challenge for policymakers is balancing revenue mobilisation with fairness and economic growth. Without adequate safeguards, they caution, the current proposals risk widening inequality and slowing Uganda’s post-pandemic recovery.

“The key question is whether Uganda can balance revenue collection with fairness and economic growth?” Mukunda observed.  “A more sustainable path may lie in widening the tax base, improving compliance, and protecting low-income households.”

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The COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission has issued a public warning over multiple brands of infant milk recalled across Africa and beyond, cautioning that several affected batches remain within their expiry dates and could still be in circulation.

In a notice dated April 8, the Steven Kamukama, the Director Consumer Welfare and Advocacy at the Commission said products manufactured under the Aptamil and Nursie brands may contain cereulide, a toxin that can cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps when consumed at elevated levels.

The recall affects products linked to Danone and its subsidiary Nutricia, with distribution spanning multiple markets, including Southern and North Africa.

Among the flagged products are Nutricia Aptamil Nutribiotik 2 (800g) and Aptajunior Nutribiotik 3 (800g), with expiry dates extending to September and December 2026. These products were distributed in South Africa from August 2025 and exported to neighbouring Botswana and Namibia.

The Commission also cited a separate alert issued by Morocco’s National Office for Food Safety, covering a wider range of Aptamil and Nursie-branded infant milk products in both 400g and 900g packaging.

Notably, several of the affected batches have expiry dates stretching well into 2027, raising the risk that contaminated products could remain on retail shelves or in household use for months.

For instance, some Aptamil Premium+ variants carry expiry dates as late as May 2027, while Nursie Comfort products extend to April 2027. Other batches fall within mid-to-late 2026, including July, October and December expiries across different product lines.

The Commission said the presence of cereulide—typically associated with bacterial contamination—poses a particular risk for infants, who are more vulnerable to foodborne toxins.

While recalls have been initiated in several jurisdictions, including South Africa and Morocco, the regional body warned that products may still be circulating within the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), which spans 21 member states.

Distribution channels identified include major retail and supply networks in countries such as Mauritius, Egypt and Tunisia, with multiple distributors involved.

The regulator urged consumers to exercise caution, particularly by checking batch numbers and expiry dates before purchasing or using infant milk products. It also called on the public and businesses to report any suspected availability of recalled products to national consumer protection authorities.

The alert follows earlier recalls in Europe in January 2026, where similar products were withdrawn after tests confirmed the presence of the same toxin, underscoring the cross-border nature of food safety risks.

Under COMESA’s consumer protection regulations, member states are expected to coordinate responses to such incidents, including product withdrawals, public notifications and consumer redress mechanisms.

The Commission said it was working with national authorities to ensure affected consumers are informed and that appropriate action is taken against non-compliant products in the market.

For consumers, however, the key concern remains immediate because several of the recalled products have not yet expired, meaning vigilance will be required in the coming months to prevent potential health risks.

The warning is the latest reminder of the challenges regulators face in tracking and removing unsafe products across fragmented regional markets, particularly where supply chains span multiple countries and oversight systems vary.

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Ghana has moved to clarify its newly announced “free visa” policy for African travellers, stressing that the initiative removes visa fees but does not eliminate entry requirements.

The policy, unveiled by President John Dramani Mahama, is set to take effect on May 25, 2026, to coincide with Africa Day. It is being positioned as a step toward easing mobility across the continent and strengthening regional integration.

However, officials say early interpretations suggesting visa-free entry are inaccurate.

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has emphasised that African travellers will still be required to apply for visas and undergo screening before being granted entry.

“Removing visa fees should not be mistaken for eliminating security procedures,” Ablakwa said, noting that the policy is designed to lower financial barriers rather than dismantle border controls.

Under the new framework, travellers will apply through an electronic visa (e-Visa) platform expected to be launched in May. The system will serve as the primary channel for all applicants, including those benefiting from the fee waiver.

According to the ministry, the e-Visa platform will be integrated with Ghana’s Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record (API-PNR) system, as well as international crime databases. This is intended to allow authorities to carry out background checks before travellers arrive in the country.

Officials say applicants flagged for criminal activity or security risks will be denied entry, reinforcing what government describes as a “controlled openness” approach to migration.

The clarification comes amid growing interest in the policy across Africa, where high visa costs and restrictive entry rules have long been cited as barriers to trade, tourism and labour mobility. By eliminating fees, Ghana is seeking to position itself as a more accessible destination while maintaining oversight of who enters its borders.

Ablakwa said multiple ministries, including Foreign Affairs, Interior and Transport, have invested in digital infrastructure to support the rollout. The system is expected to streamline processing while ensuring compliance with security protocols.

Policy analysts say the approach reflects a broader trend among African states attempting to balance openness with security concerns. While full visa-free regimes remain limited across the continent, simplified or low-cost entry systems are increasingly being adopted as governments seek to boost intra-African travel.

In Ghana’s case, the government has framed the initiative as both an economic and political signal. Officials argue that reducing travel costs could stimulate tourism, attract investment and enhance the country’s role as a regional hub.

At the same time, the insistence on pre-travel authorisation underscores the limits of liberalisation. Unlike visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry regimes, the e-Visa system retains a layer of pre-screening that allows authorities to approve or reject applications before departure.

This distinction is central to managing expectations, particularly as the policy gains visibility ahead of its launch.

For travellers, the implication is straightforward: while visiting Ghana may become cheaper, it will not become automatic. Applications, documentation and approval will remain mandatory.

As implementation approaches, officials have urged prospective visitors to rely on official government channels for updates, warning against misinformation that could disrupt travel plans.

The May rollout will be closely watched across the continent, where similar proposals have often stalled at the intersection of ambition and administrative capacity.

If successfully implemented, Ghana’s model could offer a template for reducing barriers to mobility without fully relinquishing border controls—a compromise that many African governments appear increasingly willing to explore.

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Africa’s gaming industry is shifting toward AI-driven risk management, with operators adopting predictive tools and identity systems to tackle fraud and protect players in real time.

Africa’s fast-growing gaming industry is entering a new phase of risk management, with operators increasingly deploying artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to detect harmful behaviour and fraud in real time.

Insights from a recent industry discussion at the Africa Gaming Expo 2026 point to a structural shift away from reactive responsible gaming models toward systems designed to anticipate risk before it escalates.

Industry players, including identity verification firm Sumsub, say traditional approaches—where intervention occurs only after clear signs of harm—are proving insufficient in a market defined by rapid growth, mobile access and evolving user behaviour.

Historically, operators have relied on visible warning signs such as large losses or erratic betting patterns to trigger intervention. However, new tools now allow earlier detection of risk through behavioural signals such as increased deposit frequency, loss-chasing tendencies and prolonged session intensity.

“Responsible gaming has largely been reactive, with operators intervening once clear signs of harm have already emerged,” says Richy Emah Sumsub’s Regional Director for North/West Africa. “But by that stage, the damage is often already done.”

Emah further says that the industry is now moving toward earlier intervention models. “Early behavioural indicators can signal risk long before it escalates, allowing operators to act more effectively and in real time,” he said.

The shift is being enabled by advances in machine learning, which allow operators to move beyond static rule-based systems toward dynamic models that assess player behaviour continuously.

At the same time, the sector is facing a rapidly changing fraud landscape. According to data from Sumsub, fraud in iGaming rose by 8pc year-on-year, but the nature of threats has changed significantly.

AI-driven fraud techniques—including synthetic identities and deepfake-based verification bypass—now account for a growing share of cases.

“Fraudsters are already using AI—from synthetic identities to deepfakes—to bypass safeguards,” Emah observes. “The only viable response is to fight AI with more advanced AI.”

A central theme emerging from the industry is the importance of robust identity verification as the backbone of risk management.

Without strong onboarding systems, operators face challenges in preventing underage gambling, detecting multi-accounting and identifying fraud patterns—risks that are amplified in Africa’s mobile-first and cross-border digital environment.

“If there is one non-negotiable safeguard, it is strong and frictionless identity verification from day one,” Emah stressed. “Without that foundation, you cannot effectively prevent abuse or build accurate risk profiles.”

Despite the growing role of automation, industry players stress that human oversight remains critical. Customer support teams are still needed to interpret behavioural signals and engage users appropriately.

“Responsible gaming is not just a technological challenge—it is a human one,” Emah said, noting the importance of combining automation with accountability and empathy.

The move toward predictive risk management reflects a broader strategic recalibration within the industry, where responsible gaming is increasingly viewed as a driver of long-term sustainability rather than a compliance obligation.

“Africa’s gaming industry has a choice—scale first and manage risk later, or build responsibly from the outset,” Emah warns. “Those that choose the latter will define a more sustainable future for the sector.”

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Upgrade from legacy system signals shift toward integrated finance, automation and real-time decision-making

Equity Bank Uganda has launched a redesigned digital platform for businesses, signalling a shift toward integrated financial management, automation and real-time banking.

Regional lender Equity’s Ugandan unit has rolled out a redesigned digital platform for enterprises, positioning it as a core pillar in its push to deepen business banking, digitise client operations and capture a larger share of transactional flows.

The new platform, Equity Online for Business, replaces the lender’s earlier EazzyBiz system and will become mandatory for all corporate and SME customers using the bank’s digital channels from April 8. The migration signals a decisive move away from fragmented standalone online banking tools, toward a more integrated financial management ecosystem.

Speaking at the launch of the platform at Protea Hotel in Kampala, on Wednesday, Executive Director Claver Serumaga said the new platform was designed around the evolving needs of modern businesses. “Commerce is evolving rapidly, with customers expecting immediacy, reliability and seamless integration. Equity Online for Business responds to these needs by consolidating all essential financial tools into one platform: enabling businesses to manage accounts, supplier payments, payroll, recurring bills, foreign transactions and reconciliations with clarity and efficiency,” said Serumaga.

At its core, the platform reflects a strategic pivot by embedding banking services directly into business workflows rather than operating as a separate interface. Through APIs, ERP integrations and host-to-host connectivity, Equity is targeting firms seeking tighter alignment between finance, procurement, payroll and treasury functions.

This design positions the bank within a broader shift in financial services, where institutions are competing not just on access to capital, but on how effectively they integrate into clients’ operational systems.

Equity Online for Business consolidates multiple functions—payments, payroll, supplier management, foreign exchange and reconciliations—into a single interface. The emphasis is on reducing friction in day-to-day financial operations while enabling real-time visibility across accounts.

The platform introduces automated reconciliation tools, management dashboards and audit trails, allowing businesses to track transactions and monitor performance without heavy manual intervention. For finance teams, this reduces accounting overheads while improving accuracy and compliance.

Liquidity management features are a central component. Businesses can view multi-currency positions in real time and deploy automated sweep transfers to optimise working capital—capabilities typically associated with more advanced treasury systems.

The inclusion of real-time foreign exchange updates and instant inter-country transfers also signals an attempt to support regionally active firms, particularly those operating across East Africa. 

A defining feature of the platform is the shift toward client-side control. Corporate administrators can independently onboard users, assign roles and manage access permissions, reflecting growing demand for internal governance in digital banking environments.

The user interface has been redesigned around simplicity and customisation, with adaptable layouts, language options and omnichannel access via web and mobile. This aligns with a broader industry trend toward consumer-grade user experiences in enterprise software.

Security architecture has also been reinforced, combining password protection, one-time passwords (OTP), token-based authentication and structured approval workflows. The layered approach is intended to address rising concerns around fraud and unauthorised access in digital financial systems.

The launch underscores Equity’s intent to position itself at the centre of a cash-lite, digitally driven business ecosystem. By offering tools that extend beyond basic banking into financial management and analytics, the lender is seeking to deepen client dependence and increase transaction volumes flowing through its platforms.

Crucially, the strategy hinges on making the bank’s infrastructure part of how businesses operate daily—handling everything from statutory payments to supplier settlements—rather than a peripheral service.

“Equity Online for Business is more than an online banking portal, it is a comprehensive financial management tool designed to eliminate inefficiencies and give businesses the confidence to make real‑time decisions,” said Serumaga. “We are committed to continuously improving this platform based on customer feedback and investing in technology that supports business growth,” he added.

As competition intensifies among banks and fintechs in Uganda’s corporate segment, platforms like Equity Online for Business are becoming key battlegrounds, where differentiation is defined by integration, speed and data visibility as much as by pricing.

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Uganda’s fuel pump prices have edged up by an average of 5 percent, as global energy markets react nervously to escalating tensions in the Middle East. However, analysts note that the increases remain moderate and well below the highs recorded before the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) assumed control of bulk petroleum procurement in July 2024.

At the peak of earlier price volatility, petrol prices in Uganda surged to about UGX 5,600 per litre, while diesel reached UGX 5,300. Current price movements, though upward, are still trending below those levels—suggesting a degree of insulation from global shocks that had previously transmitted directly into the domestic market.

The latest wave of uncertainty was triggered by joint military action involving the United States and Israel against targets in Iran beginning February 28, 2026. The conflict, now stretching into its fifth week, has disrupted critical energy infrastructure across the region and heightened fears of supply constraints. Of particular concern is Iran’s tightening grip over the Strait of Hormuz—a vital corridor through which roughly 20 percent of global oil supplies pass.

Despite these pressures, Uganda appears to be holding steady. Government officials say the country has sufficient fuel reserves to maintain supply for at least two months, cushioning consumers from the full impact of the global turmoil. This resilience has been attributed largely to UNOC’s centralised procurement model, which has reduced speculative pricing behaviour by oil marketing companies.

Data from global monitoring platform GlobalPetrolPrices.com shows that, as of March 23, 2026, petrol in Uganda averaged UGX 4,950 per litre, while diesel stood at UGX 4,690. These figures compare favourably with global averages of approximately UGX 5,283 for petrol and UGX 5,411 for diesel over the same period.

Speaking March 25, Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa pushed back against recent price increases at the pump, arguing they are not justified by underlying supply costs. She noted that there had been no upward adjustment in the price at which oil marketers lift products from UNOC, suggesting that recent hikes may be driven more by market sentiment than actual supply constraints.

Industry insiders point instead to exchange rate pressures, with some marketers reportedly adjusting prices in anticipation of a weakening Ugandan shilling against the US dollar. Such hedging behaviour, they argue, is contributing to the current upward drift in pump prices.

“Currently, there should be no reason for marketing companies to exploit the situation to escalate pump prices,” Nankabirwa said.

Looking ahead, supply risks appear contained. In a joint statement issued on March 30, the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) and the Ministry of Energy said that, as of March 27, Uganda’s fuel stock levels and inland supply chain remained stable and sufficient to meet short-term national demand.

Available stocks for distribution stood at approximately 81 million litres of petrol, 80 million litres of diesel, and 18.5 million litres of Jet A-1. “These volumes translate to about 22 days of stock cover for petrol, 23 days for diesel, and 30 days for Jet A-1, effectively sustaining the country through to the end of April 2026,” the statement said.

In addition, 195 million litres of petrol, 155 million litres of diesel, and 24 million litres of Jet A-1 are expected to be delivered during April. These incoming volumes will extend stock cover by an estimated 52 days for petrol, 44 days for diesel, and 39 days for Jet A-1, further reinforcing supply stability.

Regionally, Uganda’s fuel prices remain competitive. Kenya continues to post the highest pump prices in East Africa, with petrol averaging UGX 5,116 per litre and diesel UGX 4,782. Rwanda follows with petrol at UGX 5,015 and diesel at UGX 5,000, while Burundi’s prices hover at UGX 5,048 for petrol and UGX 4,953 for diesel. Tanzania, benefiting from a different procurement model, records the lowest prices in the region, with petrol at UGX 4,173 and diesel at UGX 4,165.

Globally, the price shock has been far more pronounced in advanced economies. Diesel prices have surged to the equivalent of UGX 10,663 per litre in Singapore, UGX 15,583 in Hong Kong, and UGX 8,385 in the United Kingdom—underscoring the uneven impact of the crisis across markets.

Nankabirwa credited President Yoweri Museveni for championing reforms that enabled UNOC to partner with international suppliers such as Vitol Bahrain, helping diversify Uganda’s fuel supply chain and reduce exposure to geopolitical disruptions.

With global oil prices climbing past $100 per barrel in recent weeks, Uganda’s experience suggests that structural reforms in procurement and supply management may be playing a decisive role in shielding the domestic market from external shocks for now.

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Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited has delivered a strong business growth story for 2025, combining balance sheet expansion, disciplined cost management, and sustained investor confidence to post record earnings and a UGX 360 billion dividend payout to shareholders.

The results validate a model built not just on capital strength, but on consistent execution and strategic focus across its core banking operations.

At the centre of this growth is a 23.6pc surge in net profit to UGX 591 billion, up from UGX 478 billion the previous year, alongside an 11pc increase in revenue. The Group maintained tight cost controls, improving its cost-to-income ratio to 47.1pc, reinforcing operational efficiency even as it scaled.

Return on equity rose to 26.8pc, well above internal targets, signalling the bank’s ability to generate strong value from its capital base. This performance has translated into sustained market confidence, with the Group’s share price rising 89pc over three years to UGX 60 by the end of 2025.

Growth has been anchored by Stanbic Bank Uganda, the Group’s primary revenue driver, which delivered broad-based expansion across deposits, lending, and income streams.

Customer deposits grew by 13pc to UGX 8.0 trillion, reflecting deepening trust and a stable funding base. Lending activity also accelerated, with net loans and advances rising 16.4pc to UGX 5.1 trillion, supported by improved credit processes and measured risk-taking.

Revenue from the banking subsidiary increased to UGX 1.4 trillion, driven by both interest income and diversified non-funded income streams—highlighting a shift toward a more balanced earnings mix.

This performance comes amid a leadership transition, with outgoing Group CEO Francis Karuhanga closing his tenure on a high, while Mumba Kalifungwa delivered a strong first year at the helm of the banking subsidiary.

Stanbic’s growth trajectory has been supported by robust financial fundamentals, positioning it to scale without compromising stability.

Capital adequacy remains strong, with a total capital ratio of 23pc—nearly double regulatory requirements—providing ample headroom for future expansion. Asset quality is equally solid, with non-performing loans at just 1.7pc, significantly below the bank’s risk threshold.

Liquidity levels remain exceptionally high, with a liquidity coverage ratio of 354pc, ensuring resilience even under stressed market conditions. These metrics point to a business growing from a position of strength rather than leverage.

The Group’s performance aligns with an improving macroeconomic environment in Uganda, where GDP growth accelerated to 6.3pc in 2025, supported by easing monetary conditions and stronger investor sentiment.

Inflation remained contained at 3.6%, while the local currency strengthened, reflecting improved foreign exchange inflows. Progress toward oil production has also bolstered medium-term growth expectations, creating a supportive backdrop for credit expansion and investment.

Beyond financial performance, Stanbic is positioning its next phase of growth around sustainability and inclusion through its “Positive Impact” agenda.

The strategy focuses on expanding financial access, supporting enterprise development, financing infrastructure, and advancing climate resilience—areas increasingly seen as critical to long-term economic transformation.

As the Group approaches 35 years in Uganda this year, its growth story reflects a shift from scale alone to impact-driven expansion—where profitability, resilience, and national development are increasingly intertwined.

In effect, Stanbic’s 2025 performance illustrates a broader lesson in business growth: sustained success is less about rapid expansion, and more about disciplined execution, diversified income, and the ability to align strategy with evolving economic realities.

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Africa’s marginal share of global aviation may be approaching a turning point, as new projections from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) show the continent set to rank among the fastest-growing air travel markets through 2050 — despite accounting for just over 2 percent of global passenger demand today.

In its long-term outlook, IATA forecasts global air travel will more than double by mid-century, with growth increasingly driven by emerging markets. Africa, alongside Asia-Pacific, is expected to lead that expansion.

The implication is structural: Africa’s aviation sector remains underdeveloped, but its growth potential is among the largest in global air transport. 

Africa’s air travel demand is projected to expand at around 3.6 percent annually to 2050 — outpacing mature markets in Europe and North America. Intra-African travel is expected to grow faster, at nearly 5 percent a year, alongside stronger links to Asia-Pacific and North America.

Rapid population growth, urbanisation, rising incomes and expanding trade ties will be the primary drivers.

Despite hosting nearly, a fifth of the world’s population, Africa remains a marginal player in global air traffic — a gap that defines both its constraint and its opportunity.

Realising this growth will depend less on demand than on execution.

Persistent constraints — limited airport infrastructure, high operating costs, fragmented regulation and restricted market access — continue to suppress expansion.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh has linked aviation growth directly to economic development, a relationship that is particularly pronounced in Africa, where air connectivity underpins trade, tourism and investment.

Continental initiatives such as the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), alongside ongoing airport upgrades, could prove decisive. Without reform, Africa risks underperforming even its favourable projections.

Worldwide, passenger demand is expected to rise from about 9 trillion revenue passenger kilometres in 2024 to more than 20 trillion by 2050.

But growth is shifting geographically. While Europe and North America will remain large markets, expansion there is slowing. Emerging regions — led by Asia-Pacific and Africa — will drive the next phase of aviation growth.

For Africa, stronger connectivity could lower trade costs, support the African Continental Free Trade Area, and deepen integration into global value chains.

IATA’s outlook also reflects a post-pandemic reset. Long-term growth rates are moderating globally, and demand is not expected to fully return to its pre-COVID trajectory even by 2050.

Africa, however, remains in an earlier growth phase, with scope for faster expansion — if constraints are addressed.

The conclusion is less about distant forecasts than immediate choices.

Africa’s aviation market is small today, but the trajectory is clear. Whether it becomes a central growth engine in global aviation — or remains peripheral — will depend on how quickly infrastructure, policy and market reforms align with demand.

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The COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission (CCCC) has issued a stark warning to businesses across its member states, cautioning against anti-competitive conduct and unfair trade practices as global supply chains come under strain from the ongoing Middle East crisis.

In a public statement, CCCC Chief Executive Officer Willard Mwemba said the conflict’s ripple effects were already being felt across markets, with disruptions to supply chains driving up logistics costs and triggering commodity shortages.

“Conflict in any part of the world has ripple effects across global economies,” Mwemba noted, pointing to emerging price shocks in crude oil that are cascading into higher costs for goods and services across the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa.

The Commission warned that rising oil prices could have far-reaching consequences, particularly for agriculture, where fertiliser costs are closely linked to energy markets. Any sustained increase, it said, risks pushing up food prices and inflation, potentially worsening poverty levels across the region.

The CCCC said it is particularly concerned that some market players may exploit the crisis through practices such as excessive pricing, collusion, hoarding and price gouging. It stressed that the current global environment does not justify such conduct.

“We shall unapologetically enforce competition and consumer laws to the letter and spirit,” Mwemba said, adding that the Commission would deploy its full investigative and enforcement powers to detect and penalise violations.

The warning comes as African economies, many of them import-dependent, face heightened vulnerability to external shocks. Supply bottlenecks linked to geopolitical tensions have historically translated into domestic inflation, often disproportionately affecting low-income households.

While taking a hard line against market abuse, the Commission acknowledged that certain forms of coordination between businesses may be permitted under exceptional circumstances. Under Regulation 39 of the COMESA Competition and Consumer Protection Regulations, firms can apply for authorisation for agreements that may otherwise be considered anti-competitive, provided they deliver broader public interest benefits.

The CCCC also called on consumers and businesses to report suspected unfair practices, saying such information would be critical in enabling timely investigations and corrective action.

Despite the uncertainty, the Commission signalled its intent to safeguard market stability and consumer welfare, warning that the crisis must not become a pretext for exploitation.

“The CCCC stands with honest businesses and consumers during this challenging period,” Mwemba said. “Maintaining trust in markets is essential to the region’s resilience and recovery.”

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The COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission has raised fresh concerns over the growing risks posed by unsafe and counterfeit products, warning that weak enforcement and expanding digital markets are exposing consumers across Africa to serious harm.

In a statement marking World Consumer Rights Day, the Commission said the scale of the problem remains significant, with unsafe goods continuing to circulate widely in both physical and online marketplaces. This year’s theme, “Protecting Consumers Through Safer Products,” reflects rising concern over product safety across the 21-member Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) bloc.

“Unsafe and counterfeit products continue to pose a serious threat to consumers across our region, costing lives, undermining trust in markets and exposing gaps in enforcement, particularly as digital commerce expands. We are strengthening our regulatory framework and cross-border cooperation to ensure that unsafe goods are swiftly identified and removed, but businesses must comply with safety standards and consumers must remain vigilant. Protecting consumers is not optional—it is fundamental to sustaining confidence in our economies,” said the Commission’s chief executive officer, Dr Willard Mwemba.

The Commission estimates that at least 100,000 people die annually in Africa due to unsafe products, highlighting the human cost of weak regulatory systems and the proliferation of counterfeit goods. In the technology sector alone, up to 6.5 percent of ICT products traded on the continent are fake, posing fire hazards, health risks and contributing to millions of tonnes of poorly managed electronic waste.

Beyond traditional markets, regulators are increasingly worried about the rapid expansion of digital commerce. Africa’s digital marketplace, valued at over USD30 billion in 2025 and projected to more than double by 2030, is opening new channels for trade—but also for risk.

According to the Commission, online platforms have introduced a range of consumer protection challenges, including fake reviews, misleading product descriptions, lack of safety certifications and limited traceability of sellers. Other concerns include cyber security threats, weak product guarantees and emerging risks such as deepfakes and privacy violations.

The Commission says that these developments require regulators to expand surveillance and enforcement beyond traditional supply chains to include digital ecosystems, ensuring that consumers are equally protected online and offline.

In response, COMESA has strengthened its legal framework through the 2025 Competition and Consumer Protection Regulations. The updated rules expand oversight on product safety, including banning environmentally harmful goods, tightening labelling and information requirements, and extending protections to cover digital services and harmful online content.

The Commission is also developing a regional rapid-response system to track and recall unsafe products, alongside efforts to improve cross-border coordination among member states. Through its Consumer Protection Committee, authorities are working to ensure that products flagged in one country can be swiftly removed from circulation across the wider COMESA market.

Businesses have been urged to comply fully with safety standards and ensure products meet regulatory requirements before reaching consumers. At the same time, the public is being encouraged to remain vigilant, verify product information and report unsafe goods.

Dr. Mwemba warned that failure to address product safety risks could erode consumer confidence and undermine economic stability. Markets flooded with unsafe goods, he said, risk triggering broader economic consequences by weakening trust in formal systems.

The Commission signalled it will intensify enforcement and take firm action against companies found to be supplying unsafe products, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding consumers across the region.

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