CAA and CCPC Partner to Safeguard Passengers from Unfair Pricing
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration on competition regulation and consumer protection in Zambia’s aviation sector.
The agreement marks a significant step towards fostering a more competitive, transparent and consumer-focused air transport industry, aligned with international, regional and national frameworks guiding the sector.
At the global level, the partnership is anchored in standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which call on member states to uphold key principles in air transport regulation. These include fair competition, transparency in pricing, protection of consumer interests and institutional cooperation.
The MoU formalises coordination between Zambia’s aviation regulator and the national competition authority in line with these principles.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, CAA Director General Captain Derrick Luembe said the agreement reflects Zambia’s commitment to aligning with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, particularly in economic regulation and consumer protection.
“This partnership strengthens our ability to promote fair competition, ensure transparency in pricing, safeguard consumer interests and enhance cooperation between regulators, as required under ICAO guidance,” he said.
Regionally, the MoU supports Africa’s air transport liberalisation agenda under the Yamoussoukro Decision and the Single African Air Transport Market, both of which emphasise competitive markets and consumer protection as air connectivity expands across the continent.
Under the agreement, the two institutions will collaborate on information sharing, joint investigations, market monitoring and the handling of consumer complaints. A Joint Working Committee will also be established to coordinate technical activities and align regulatory actions with international best practice.
CCPC Executive Director Mrs Eunice Phiri Hamvhwa described the MoU as a “pivotal milestone” in Zambia’s regulatory landscape.
“This partnership is not merely a formality, but a declaration of our collective resolve to ensure a fair, competitive and consumer-centric aviation sector,” she said.
The MoU is expected to enhance consumer protection through improved complaint resolution mechanisms, increased fare transparency and better service delivery. It also aims to promote a level playing field, regulatory certainty and an enabling environment for investment, innovation and sustainable growth in the aviation industry.
The CAA reaffirmed its commitment to working with the CCPC and other stakeholders to ensure the sector continues to contribute to economic development, trade, tourism and regional integration.
Key provisions of the agreement include joint oversight of investigations related to competition and consumer protection, advisory collaboration on emerging regulatory issues, and coordinated efforts to safeguard market integrity in air transport and airport operations.
Despite the strengthened cooperation, both institutions will retain their legal mandates and decision-making independence.
The aviation sector remains a critical driver of Zambia’s economy, facilitating trade, tourism and connectivity. The MoU introduces a structured framework for collaboration, enabling the regulators to harmonise their approach in addressing consumer complaints, investigating anti-competitive conduct and assessing market behaviour across the industry.
