The Zambia Competition Commission was established under the Competition and Fair trading Act Section 4 of Chapter 417 of the Laws of Zambia to prevent anti-competitive and restrictive business practices and promotes consumer welfare. The law came into force in February 1995. Zambia Competition is an autonomous corporate body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry.

The Act deals with agreements and concerted practices of enterprises and organisations that are appreciably anti-competitive, and the abuse of market power by enterprises that are dominant within their market. The act also deals with consumer welfare and protection issues.

It is against such a background that ZCC was formed in May 1997; the organisation has a wide range of powers of enforcement and investigation under the Act. The Commission comprises a wide spectrum of representatives (Commissioners). From the Government are Commissioners from the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of Finance. Other Commissioners are from trade and professional associations like the Zambia Bureau of Standards, Zambia Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Zambia Congress of Trade Unions, Economics Association of Zambia, Law Association of Zambia, Zambia Institute of Certified Accountants, Engineering Institute of Zambia, and two from the Consumer Movement.

Click here to download the Act

The mission of the commission is to foster competitive, efficient, fair, and informed Zambian market.

• To encourage competition in the economy,
• To protect consumer welfare,
• To strenghten the efficiency of production and distribution of goods and services,
• To secure the best possible conditions for the freedom of trade, and
• To expand the base of entreprenuership.

Click to view Zambia Competition Commission organisation structure