In a milestone moment for Burundi’s economic future, the government officially launched the Independent Competition Commission (ICC) during a ceremony held at the Eden Garden Resort in Bujumbura on April 25, 2025. The event, organized by the Ministry of Commerce, Transport, Industry, and Tourism, marks a decisive step in the country’s pursuit of a more transparent and equitable market system, aligned with the national Vision 2040–2060 development agenda.
The new institution is tasked with overseeing market practices, combating anti-competitive behaviors, and ensuring fair treatment for all economic actors, particularly consumers and smaller businesses. Its establishment reflects growing national and regional momentum to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks for competition.
Representing the Minister, Christine Niragira, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, emphasized the importance of the ICC in driving structural transformation and economic resilience.“Fair competition is a vital lever for development. It encourages innovation, reduces prices for consumers, and improves market efficiency,” Niragira stated.
She called on the private sector to fully embrace the principles of open competition and to refrain from counterfeit practices, underlining that sustainable economic modernization requires collective commitment. The date of the launch, coinciding with World Intellectual Property Day, also served to highlight the importance of respecting creativity and legal standards in economic activity.
Niragira also acknowledged the critical role of regional cooperation in shaping the ICC’s success, citing close collaboration with the COMESA Competition Commission (CCC).“This is not just a national undertaking,” she said. “We must build a consultation framework that includes public authorities, businesses, civil society, and technical partners to ensure this commission functions effectively.”
The COMESA Competition Commission was represented at the event by Mary Gurure, Director of Legal Services and Compliance, who delivered remarks on behalf of CEO Dr. Willard Mwemba. Gurure conveyed the CEO’s praise for Burundi’s commitment to institutional reform and integration with international competition standards. “Strong competition laws are central to achieving sustainable and inclusive growth,” Dr. Mwemba’s message stated, citing the OECD’s consensus and the fact that over 126 countries now enforce competition policies.
He warned, however, that institutional momentum must be matched by long-term government support.“The ICC is a newborn. It will need all of our support and care to grow and thrive”, Dr. Mwemba noted.
Since 2013, COMESA has reviewed more than 200 competition cases involving Burundi, underscoring the need for a strong domestic body to address these challenges locally.
With the ICC now in place, Burundi is poised to foster a more competitive economic environment, break up monopolies, and protect consumers—while laying a stronger foundation for regional trade and global investment.
