Egypt

The Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) is an independent regulator with powers of investigation, enforcement, and market study.

Horizontal agreements that prevent, restrict, or distort competition are prohibited, including cartels, price-fixing, and market sharing.

Vertical agreements that limit competition are prohibited, particularly resale price maintenance and exclusive dealing arrangements.

Abuse by undertakings holding a dominant position is prohibited, covering excessive pricing, refusal to deal, tying, and discriminatory treatment.

Mandatory pre-merger notification introduced by the 2022 amendments for transactions meeting turnover thresholds. ECA reviews within defined timetables.

The ECA has provisions for leniency but the programme is not yet widely utilised. Guidelines were issued in 2022.

The ECA may accept corrective measures or commitments from parties, though there is no formal settlement procedure.

Fines range from EGP 1 million to 10% of turnover. Imprisonment of up to five years for individuals involved in horizontal cartels.

No specific digital markets regulation. The ECA has conducted studies on digital platform competition.

The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) and the Financial Regulatory Authority exercise concurrent competition functions in their sectors.

The ECA has authority to conduct surprise inspections, seize evidence, and compel document production with judicial authorisation.

Affected parties may claim compensation through civil courts, but private enforcement is uncommon.

ECA has bilateral cooperation arrangements with several authorities and participates actively in OECD and ICN fora.

ECA has imposed significant fines in the building materials, pharmaceuticals, and ride-hailing sectors. Merger review activity has increased since the 2022 amendments.