THE Competition and Tariff Commission (CTC) this week warned that a surge in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Zimbabwe’s economy could strengthen dominant firms and limit competition if regulators fail to adapt enforcement to the digital era.
The southern African country is accelerating its push into AI as part of a broader digital transformation agenda.
“While AI presents vast opportunities for improved efficiency, innovation, and wider market access, these benefits can only be realised when supported by fair, transparent, and competitive markets,” the CTC said.
“Without proper oversight, AI-driven tools may be used to unfairly influence prices, limit consumer choice, or entrench dominance in ways that undermine both economic efficiency and consumer welfare.”
It said the booming AI economy could enable firms to track consumer behaviour, analyse large volumes of market data and automatically adjust prices. The commission said such developments may harm consumers if misused.
“AI tools can ‘learn’ to align prices with rivals without human input,” the CTC said, warning that such algorithmic collusion could weaken competition.
It also flagged risks including self-preferencing algorithms on digital platforms, data-driven exclusion of smaller competitors, and automated predatory pricing systems that adjust prices to force new entrants out of markets.
“These practices can harm consumers by increasing prices, reducing choices and stifling innovation,” the CTC said.
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Earlier this month, government launched the Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2026–2030, a national policy framework aimed at harnessing AI to drive economic growth, innovation and public-sector efficiency.
Speaking at the launch in Harare, President Emmerson Mnangagwa described AI as a key driver of the country’s modernisation and industrialisation.
“The strategy is a declaration of our collective readiness for the transformative impact of AI,” Mnangagwa said.
“It is a bold response to the disruptive effects of the ever-evolving technological era,” he added.
