The Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry […]

The Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) has welcomed the Competition and Consumer Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2026, describing it as a step that could improve private sector participation in regulatory decision-making but has warned that the success of the reform will depend on how board members are selected.

The bill is part of 74 legislative proposals that were presented to Parliament just three weeks before its dissolution. The Competition and Consumer Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeks to change the composition of the CCPC Board by introducing five members directly drawn from the private sector based on business expertise and experience.

Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Anthony Kabaghe has told Zambian Business Times-ZBT that the inclusion of private sector voices is a positive development for economic governance.

“The inclusion of private sector representatives on the CCPC Board is a welcome development and reflects a growing appreciation of the role that business plays in shaping a competitive economy,” said Kabaghe.

However, he cautioned that the effectiveness of the reform will depend on whether representation is anchored in credible institutions rather than individual appointments.

“Institutional representation offers the strongest model because it ensures accountability and reflects the views of a wider business community rather than individual interests,” said Kabaghe. Meanwhile, he noted that the private sector expects the new board structure to improve the quality of regulatory decisions by incorporating real market experience into competition and consumer protection frameworks.

“Business representation can help regulators better understand mergers, market entry barriers, supply chain challenges, and investment realities that affect economic growth,” said Kabaghe.

However, concerns remain on whether the broad category of five persons from the private sector will fairly include SMEs, manufacturers, and diverse business groups rather than being dominated by large corporations.

He emphasized that Zambia’s private sector is diverse and that SMEs form the backbone of employment and economic activity, making inclusive representation essential for balanced decision-making.

“Institutional bodies such as chambers and associations are better placed to represent this diversity because they aggregate the voices of thousands of businesses across different sectors,” said Kabaghe.

He said attention must also be given to conflict of interest risks, as private sector board members may at times be required to adjudicate cases involving competitors or partners. “Clear ethics rules and strong governance frameworks will be necessary to protect the integrity of the Commission and ensure fair competition enforcement,” said Kabaghe.

He raised concern over the provision allowing the minister to activate the new board structure early through the removal of the current board, saying such powers must be exercised with transparency and caution. Kabaghe told ZBT that if properly implemented, the amendment could strengthen trust between regulators and businesses and improve the country’s overall competitiveness but warned that weak selection processes could undermine its intended benefits.

Article by Phillip Sinkala