The COMESA Competition Commission (CCC) has opened an investigation into Airtel Mobile Commerce over concerns that the telecom giant may be misleading consumers on transaction charges and foreign exchange rates in its International Money Transfer (IMT) services.

The regional watchdog is examining whether Airtel’s subsidiaries in Kenya, Uganda, and Malawi have violated regulations that require businesses to provide transparent and accurate information on fees, exchange rates, and third-party involvement in transactions.

Under Articles 27 and 28 of the IMT regulations, companies are prohibited from engaging in misleading practices that could compromise consumer decision-making.

Preliminary findings indicate inconsistencies in how Airtel presents its transaction costs to customers.

In Kenya, the amount displayed before a transaction is confirmed has reportedly differed from the final charge, raising concerns about transparency.

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In Malawi, consumers allegedly receive little to no disclosure on key details, including sender identity, fees, and intermediary parties.

Meanwhile, in Uganda, discrepancies between the displayed exchange rate and the actual rate applied have come under scrutiny, alongside concerns that consumer data may be shared with third parties without sufficient disclosure.

Expressing concern over the matter, COMESA Competition Commission CEO Willard Mwemba noted that such practices could prevent customers from making informed choices about their money transfers.

He stated, “The alleged conduct is concerning as it may mislead consumers and prevent them from making informed decisions about their financial transactions.”

He further assured that the commission is committed to conducting a thorough probe to safeguard consumer rights.

The CCC has invited affected consumers and other stakeholders to submit any relevant information before February 28, 2025, as it gathers evidence for the investigation.

Airtel is not the only telecom operator under investigation.

MTN Mobile Money in Uganda is also facing scrutiny over similar allegations, including discrepancies in transaction charges and failure to disclose sender details to recipients.

This is not Airtel’s first encounter with regulatory scrutiny.

COMESA’s investigation follows an earlier probe into Airtel’s partnership agreement with American Tower Corporation (ATC) in February 2024, questioning whether the agreement created anti-competitive barriers for other telecom firms seeking access to ATC’s infrastructure in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, and Niger.

With the latest probe now underway, the outcome of the investigation could have far-reaching implications for Airtel’s operations in the region.

Consumers and stakeholders are urged to present their complaints or evidence before the deadline, as the CCC seeks to establish whether Airtel engaged in deceptive practices in its mobile money transactions.