Zambia’s Regulators Join Forces to Protect Flyers and Strengthen Aviation Fairness

By Daily News Reporter

At the Civil Aviation Authority headquarters in Lusaka, a new partnership was sealed that promises to reshape Zambia’s aviation sector. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen oversight of airline pricing, promote fair competition, and safeguard consumer rights.

Speaking at the Signing MOU ceremony in Lusaka CCPC Executive Director, Mrs. Eunice Phiri Hamavhungwa, described the MoU as a shared pledge to ensure “the wings of commerce in our skies operate under the highest standards of integrity.” She emphasized that aviation is more than transport—it is a lifeline for trade, tourism, and connectivity. With liberalisation opening Zambia’s skies to new players, she noted, stronger safeguards are essential to protect consumers and ensure fair market practices.

The agreement aligns Zambia with international and regional frameworks such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, the Yamoussoukro Decision, and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). These initiatives encourage liberalised air services but also demand robust competition and consumer protection.

The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation in information sharing, market monitoring, joint investigations, complaint handling, and capacity building. Mrs. Hamavhungwa explained that this will help tackle issues such as abuse of dominance, price fixing, and unfair trading practices. Importantly, both institutions will remain independently mandated, ensuring regulatory balance while strengthening collaboration.

And Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Director General Captain Derrick F. Luembe called the partnership a significant step in improving regulatory coordination. He stressed that aviation is a key driver of economic growth, tourism, and regional integration. Grounded in the Competition and Consumer Protection Act, the MoU empowers the CCPC to prevent anti-competitive behaviour while supporting the CAA’s oversight role.

Captain Luembe highlighted that the collaboration will enhance transparency in airfares, improve complaint handling, and strengthen regulatory consistency. A Joint Working Committee will be established to facilitate technical cooperation, including joint market studies, investigations, and information sharing.

Both leaders warned against anti-competitive practices such as price fixing and abuse of dominance, which distort markets and harm consumers. They clarified that the MoU does not introduce price controls or regulate airfares—pricing will remain determined by market forces such as demand, operating costs, and airline business models. Rising fuel costs, driven by global geopolitical factors, were acknowledged as a major challenge for the industry.

Mrs. Hamavhungwa reiterated that the agreement is not about controlling prices but about ensuring fair competition and transparency. Captain Luembe reaffirmed the CAA’s commitment to working with the CCPC and other stakeholders to promote a transparent, competitive, and consumer-focused aviation sector.

With this MoU, Zambia’s regulators have signaled a clear message: the skies must remain open, fair, and accountable—where consumers are protected, competition thrives, and aviation continues to drive national and regional progress.