NAIROBI, June 10 (Xinhua) -- The East African Community (EAC) Competition Authority and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Competition Commission on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the enforcement of market competition and consumer protection laws.
Willard Mwemba, chief executive officer of the COMESA Competition Commission, said in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi that the agreement will enhance the detection of cross-border anti-competitive practices and consumer violations, leading to improved cross-border enforcement.
"This MoU could not have come at a better time than now when we are witnessing increased adoption of competition laws not only around the world but also in Africa," Mwemba said.
He revealed that 19 of the 21 COMESA member states have adopted competition laws, while five EAC member states have enacted competition laws.
Mwemba said the MoU will also enable the two institutions to undertake joint advocacy and awareness activities to sensitize stakeholders about the benefits of competition.
Stellah Onyancha, acting registrar of the EAC Competition Authority, said the deal facilitates information sharing, particularly during joint investigations involving the same countries.
Onyancha noted that with the advent of the African Continental Free Trade Area, it has also become necessary for regional economic communities to collaborate more closely.
She added that under the MoU, the two agencies have set up focal points tasked with coordinating and monitoring the implementation of prioritized activities through annual work plans. ■
