The COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission (CCPC) has launched an investigation into Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, raising fresh concerns about competition in Africa’s digital economy.
The probe follows changes Meta made to its WhatsApp Business Solution Terms in October 2025. According to the Commission, these changes may have blocked independent artificial intelligence providers from accessing the WhatsApp Business API, while allowing Meta’s own AI tools to continue operating.
As a result, regulators fear that Meta may have unfairly limited competition in the region’s fast-growing AI and digital services market.
Why COMESA Is Concerned
COMESA says it has reasonable grounds to believe Meta holds a dominant position in the Common Market and may have abused that power.
Specifically, the Commission argues that WhatsApp acts as a critical gateway for businesses and AI services. Therefore, restricting access could limit innovation, reduce consumer choice, and disadvantage smaller technology firms.
“This conduct may substantially lessen competition by excluding AI service providers from reaching their customers,” said CCPC Chief Executive Officer Willard Mwemba.
Legal Basis for the Investigation
Under Regulation 36 of the COMESA Competition and Consumer Protection Regulations, 2025, companies must not use market dominance to distort competition.
Because of this, the inquiry will examine whether Meta’s policy changes restricted competition or created unfair advantages for its own services.
Stakeholders Invited to Participate
Meanwhile, COMESA has invited businesses, developers, and consumer groups to submit views by March 16, 2026. The Commission assured stakeholders that it will treat all submissions confidentially.
Link to EU Antitrust Action
Importantly, COMESA’s move comes shortly after the European Commission charged Meta with breaching EU competition rules. European regulators said Meta blocked third-party AI assistants on WhatsApp while promoting its own Meta AI.
Similarly, EU officials warned that WhatsApp’s position in the market makes such restrictions especially harmful.
Why the Case Matters
Ultimately, this investigation marks one of the strongest efforts yet by African regulators to hold global technology firms accountable.
As digital platforms expand across the continent, COMESA says it will act to protect fair competition, innovation, and consumer choice.
The outcome of this case could reshape how major tech companies operate in Africa’s digital economy.