CFTC fines seven companies K51.5 million for unfair trading

The Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) has fined seven companies a total of K51.5 million for violating consumer protection and fair trading regulations in Malawi.

CFTC Chief Executive Officer Desmond Kaunda announced the penalties during a media briefing in Lilongwe on Tuesday, saying the Commission had also ordered two companies to refund customers approximately K1 million and referred two cases to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) over alleged attempts to bribe its officers.

Kaunda said the decisions were made during the Commission’s 76th meeting held on September 30, 2026, at which it considered 64 cases.

Among the companies penalised was Tutlas Supermarket in Salima, which was fined K25 million after inspections conducted in June uncovered 116 expired food products.

Kwacha Supermarket in Area 47, Lilongwe, was also fined K12.5 million after inspectors discovered 385 expired products.

“Kwacha Supermarket in Area 47 in Lilongwe was also fined K12.5 million following inspections that discovered 385 expired products,” Kaunda said.

The Commission also fined Jegaf Investment K10 million for misleading conduct after a customer purchased a bale of second-hand clothes that did not match the advertised description. The company was further ordered to refund the customer K690,000.

Horizon Health Malawi Limited was fined K2 million for failing to settle insurance claims within the required timeframe.

Meanwhile, SANAM Enterprises was fined K1 million for supplying expired products, while Jahabi Enterprises received a K500,000 fine for misleading conduct and failure to display proper prices.

The Commission also announced its approval of the proposed acquisition of Open Connect Limited in a transaction valued at K23.5 billion.

In another regulatory decision, the CFTC directed telecommunications company TNM to ensure open and non-discriminatory access to its wholesale fibre network, maintain existing employment levels and operate under regulatory supervision for three years.

Kaunda further expressed concern over inadequate financial resources, saying funding constraints were affecting the Commission’s ability to effectively enforce competition and fair trading laws.

He appealed to the government to increase the Commission’s budget allocation to enable it to carry out its mandate effectively.

The CFTC says it will continue enforcing fair trading and competition laws to protect consumers, promote accountability and ensure fair business practices across the country.