The COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission (CCPC) has initiated an investigation into Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, concerning potential abuse of dominance related to the WhatsApp Business API. This inquiry arises in response to reports that Meta altered its terms of service in October 2025, specifically preventing general-purpose AI service providers from utilizing the API while seemingly granting access to its proprietary AI solutions. Such actions have raised significant alarm regarding competition within East Africa's rapidly expanding digital services market.

Willard Mwemba, the CEO of the CCPC, has indicated that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that Meta may be exerting an unfair dominant position in the Common Market. The Commission operates under the framework of Regulation 36 of the COMESA Competition and Consumer Protection Regulations, 2025, which prohibits companies from abusing a dominant market position that could hinder competition. This situation has broader implications for AI companies seeking to operate within the region, necessitating careful scrutiny of Meta's practices and policies.

The outcome of this investigation could set significant precedents for how digital platforms are regulated in the COMESA region, especially in terms of market access for emerging technologies. With competition authorities increasingly focused on the role of tech giants like Meta, the outcome may not only impact the company itself but also influence the competitive dynamics of the digital economy across East Africa, shaping the landscape for both existing and future AI service providers.