Restrictive practices are actions (e.g., price fixing, collusive behaviour) that hinder competition. A monopoly situation occurs when one or more companies control a significant portion of the market, potentially acting against the public interest.

It allows a merger involving a firm on the brink of closure (due to severe losses/debt) to proceed if it is proven that the firm would otherwise exit the market, leading to greater harm to competition.

Proceeding with a merger before approval can result in a fine of up to 10% of the parties' annual turnover.

Complaints regarding anti-competitive behaviour, such as price fixing or tied selling, can be submitted directly to the Commission for investigation at director@competition.co.zw.

While some cases can take months, the Commission aims to resolve tariff investigations within a maximum of 90 days, though complex investigations like dumping may take up to six months.

The Commission is not directly empowered to conduct criminal investigations but refers criminal cartel activities to the police.

The Commission has recently focused on “tied” or “conditional” selling, where suppliers force customers to buy other products (like feed) in order to purchase day-old chicks.

Yes, the Commission is currently reviewing the Competition Act (Chapter 14:28) to introduce a leniency programme for cartel investigations.

Yes, it handles issues related to tariff protection, dumping, and unfair trade practices, especially in the context of regional integration like the AfCFTA.