The COMESA Competition Commission is investigating Airtel Mobile Commerce BV and MTN Group for allegedly misleading customers about transaction fees and failing to disclose foreign currency exchange rates for cross-border transfers in multiple markets. Airtel is under scrutiny for violating consumer protection laws in Kenya, Uganda, and Malawi, while MTN Group faces similar allegations in Uganda.

Payment platforms operating with the COMESA region–a bloc of 21 African countries–must disclose the full cost of transactions, including forex charges before they confirm any payment. The requirement aims to protect consumers by promoting transparency in money transfer fees.
“In the case of Airtel Mobile Money Kenya, the charges displayed to the sender before confirming the transaction are, in some instances, different from the actual charges indicated in the final confirmation message and details of the intermediary parties, as well as the exchange rate used are not disclosed to consumers,” COMESA Competition Commission said in a notice.
In Malawi, the commission has accused Airtel Mobile Commerce Malawi Limited of failing to disclose transaction details, including sender information, fees charged, and intermediary parties. These alleged omissions violate the bloc’s anti-trust regulations, which mandate transparency from companies operating within the 21-member trade area.
- Advertisement -