By Spy Uganda
The rapid expansion of mobile money services in Africa has revolutionized financial transactions, offering convenience to millions of users. However, concerns over transparency and fair business practices have emerged, prompting regulatory scrutiny. The COMESA Competition Commission has launched an investigation into Airtel and MTN over allegations of misleading mobile money customers regarding transaction charges.

At the heart of the probe is the discrepancy between the initial transaction charges displayed to Airtel Money users in Kenya and the final charges shown in the confirmation message. Additionally, customers making cross-border transactions were not informed about intermediary parties or the exchange rate used, raising concerns about hidden costs. In Uganda, MTN Mobile Money faces similar accusations of displaying inconsistent fees, with some customers reporting that recipient details were not properly disclosed.
These concerns extend beyond financial losses—transparency in digital financial services is essential for consumer trust. COMESA has emphasized that such practices could be misleading and violate regional regulations that protect consumers from false representations. The commission will hold hearings on February 28, allowing stakeholders and affected customers to present their cases before determining whether Airtel and MTN engaged in unfair business practices.

This is not the first time Airtel has faced regulatory scrutiny. In February 2024, COMESA also launched an investigation into its partnership with the American Tower Corporation (ATC), alleging that the agreement restricted competitors’ access to crucial infrastructure, raising anti-competitive concerns.

As mobile money becomes an increasingly vital part of everyday life across Africa, regulators are stepping up efforts to ensure transparency and fair competition. The outcome of these investigations could set a precedent for how telecom operators conduct business in the region, reinforcing the need for clear and honest communication with consumers.
