The COMESA Competition Commission (“Commission”) wishes to inform the general public that the tenure of office of Dr George Lipimile who was the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission for the past ten years, came to an end on 31st January 2021.

Dr Lipimile was appointed by the COMESA Council of Ministers as the first Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission in February 2011. He served in this capacity at the Commission for ten years during which time he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Commission as the first fully operational regional competition authority in Africa and the second fully functional regional competition authority in the world after the European Commission. Dr Lipimile tirelessly worked towards the enforcement of the COMESA Competition Regulations and Rules. He dedicated his time at the Commission in strengthening the institution with but not limited to:

Growth in its staff compliment;
Creating sound legal framework;
Processes and Procedures for enforcement of the Regulations;
Advocacy and technical assistance to COMESA Member States; and
Setting up the necessary corporate governance systems.

Further, the Commission wishes to announce to the general public that Dr Willard Mwemba has been appointed as the Acting Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission from 1st February 2021 until such time the substantive Director of the Commission is recruited. The Commission wishes to congratulate Dr Mwemba on his appointment as the Acting Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission.

PRESS STATEMENT

The COMESA Competition Commission (the “Commission”) wishes to issue a warning to all companies and individuals that are selling products not medically tested and approved which they claim can treat or prevent the Coronavirus. Such companies and individuals are advised to refrain from such conduct as it is contrary to Article 27 of the COMESA Competition Regulations (‘the Regulations). If any such company or individual are found wanting, the Commission will not hesitate to apply the provisions of the Regulations which include sanctions of up to USD 300,000.

Consumers in the Common Market are advised to be on the lookout for such scams and report any suspicions either directly to the Commission or through any Consumer Protection Agency in their country of residence.

Further, consumers are advised to follow advice on prevention of Coronavirus from the relevant institution’s websites such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) website, Center for Disease and Prevention (CDC) including their local public health authorities.