Post by Lebbeus Hashikutuva

This is so bizarre. 2 days ago, I wrote the article below. Read it; it argues that the ability for a minister to review a determination by the Namibia Competition Commission needs to be relooked-- for obvious reasons. Today, by Gazette, Minister Modestus Amutse exercised that very power and overturned the Competition Commission's 2025 prohibition of the full acquisition of Ohorongo Cement by Cheetah Cement. 🤣 The Competition Commission prohibited the merger because, among other reasons, if Cheetah Cement had bought out Ohorongo Cement, there would effectively be a total monopoly in the cement market. There would be no competition in the market; which means higher prices, reduced quality, you know the vibes. The ripple effects would be higher housing prices, reduced infrastructure development, you know the vibes. The conditions given by the Minister are even more bizarre. One of them: "...the Commission to monitor post-merger whether a monopoly has been created and whether a dominant position has been established." What does the Minister expect happens in a market when you eliminate your only competitor? 😄