The COMESA Competition Commission fired off a warning shot on Wednesday, saying Zimbabwe’s so-called investor-friendly reforms could drag in a new breed of regional and international money-makers. At a press conference in Nairobi, member states all played nice, promising to grease the wheels for outside investors and keep the doors open.
Reporters grilled officials about Zimbabwe slashing red tape and hacking away at fees, permits, and licenses. The commission’s chief, Dr. Willard Mwemba, tried to sound upbeat, claiming these changes might pump up competition, help shoppers, and glue the region together.
Officials kept bragging about pumping up local watchdogs with fresh resources and setting the stage for honest deals. With Zimbabwe next in line to chair the trading bloc, insiders expect more walls to fall for investors, cranking up trade in a market already spinning billions every year.
Reporters grilled officials about Zimbabwe slashing red tape and hacking away at fees, permits, and licenses. The commission’s chief, Dr. Willard Mwemba, tried to sound upbeat, claiming these changes might pump up competition, help shoppers, and glue the region together.
Officials kept bragging about pumping up local watchdogs with fresh resources and setting the stage for honest deals. With Zimbabwe next in line to chair the trading bloc, insiders expect more walls to fall for investors, cranking up trade in a market already spinning billions every year.
