COMESA Launches Investigation into MaxAB-Wasoko Merger
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Competition Commission has initiated a formal inquiry to evaluate the potential impact of the merger between B2B e-commerce giants MaxAB and Wasoko. The investigation aims to determine whether the finalized deal might significantly impede or diminish competition within the Eastern and Southern Africa region. This move reflects COMESA’s commitment to ensuring fair market practices and preventing anti-competitive behaviors within its member states, particularly in the rapidly growing African tech landscape.
Examining the Implications of the Merger
The inquiry follows the completion of the merger, which saw Kenya-founded Wasoko and Egypt-founded MaxAB combine forces in August 2024. The merger, finalized through an all-stock transaction, created one of the continent’s largest B2B e-commerce platforms. The Commission’s investigation is a critical step in assessing the merger’s impact on market dynamics. As part of its process, COMESA has issued a call for submissions from various stakeholders. Competitors, suppliers, and customers have been invited to provide written representations, with a deadline of October 24, 2025. This allows the Commission to gather diverse perspectives and thoroughly analyze the merger’s potential consequences, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
The COMESA investigation into the MaxAB-Wasoko merger highlights the growing scrutiny of consolidation within Africa’s burgeoning tech sector. The Commission’s findings will be crucial in shaping the competitive landscape for B2B e-commerce and ensuring continued innovation and fair practices for businesses and consumers in the region.
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