Burundi: Competition and Consumer Protection Regulations including merger control regulation entered into force

On 4 December 2025, the Competition and Consumer Protection Regulations, including merger control regulation, entered into force. The Regulations introduce a regional merger control regime under a one-stop shop model administered by the COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission. Mergers must be notified where parties operate in multiple Member States and meet prescribed turnover, asset or transaction value thresholds. The Commission assesses whether a proposed transaction is likely to substantially lessen competition in the Common Market, taking into account factors such as market concentration, barriers to entry, countervailing buyer power and potential efficiency gains. The Commission may approve a merger, approve it subject to remedies or commitments, or prohibit it, and may impose fines of up to 10% of annual turnover for implementing a notifiable merger without approval.