On January 21-22, 2025, members of Burundi’s Independent Competition Commission participated in a capacity-building workshop at Martha Hotel, led by the East African Community Competition Authority (EACCA). The workshop focused on enhancing skills in company mergers, a critical area for fostering fair competition in Burundi.
The Independent Competition Commission, established in 2024, is tasked with enforcing the 2010 Competition Law to balance the interests of businesses, consumers, and regulators.
However, challenges in monitoring and investigating market practices necessitate expertise.

Onesime Niyukuri President of Independent Competition Commission of Burundi
In his opening remarks, the President of Independent Competition Commission of Burundi emphasized the importance of equipping commissioners with the tools to render clear and fair decisions. He expressed his profound gratitude to the EACCA team for sharing their experiences and underlined the need for further capacity-building initiatives, including internships in seasoned institutions.
Stellah Onyancha, Deputy Registrar of Monopolies and Cartels, highlighted key distinctions between horizontal and vertical mergers.
A horizontal merger involves companies at the same supply chain level combining, often as direct competitors.
In contrast, a vertical merger unites companies at different supply chain levels, typically between suppliers and buyers.
This workshop sets the foundation for Burundi’s commission to build robust mechanisms ensuring fair competition and consumer protection.