The Competition and Consumer Authority (CCA) has secured its first-ever cartel settlement in Botswana, with Hollard Insurance Company of Botswana agreeing to pay a financial penalty of BWP 4,828,510.08 following allegations of anti-competitive conduct.
The settlement, confirmed by an order from the Competition and Consumer Tribunal this week, concludes a legal battle between the CCA and Hollard that began in late 2023.
The case originated from a referral filed by the Authority on 30 November 2023 against several major industry players, including Hollard, Botswana Insurance Company Limited (BIC), Old Mutual Short-Term Insurance, and Parts Portal (trading as Autoboys Evolve).
A CCA investigation revealed that these companies allegedly engaged in price-fixing and set trade terms for car repairers. The Authority further alleged abuse of dominance, active cooperation, sharing of trade secrets, and horizontal and vertical agreements that significantly reduced market competition.
As part of the settlement, Hollard has formally acknowledged that its past conduct violated the Competition Act and confirmed that such practices have ceased.
In addition to the multi-million pula fine, Hollard must develop and implement a competition law compliance program within 90 days and fully cooperate with the CCA in its ongoing prosecution of the remaining respondents.
While Hollard has settled, the legal proceedings continue against the other companies involved. The CCA confirmed that its referral against BIC, Old Mutual, and Autoboys remains active.
The Authority hailed the order as a major victory for its mission to ensure “Fair Markets, Empowered Consumers,” according to a press release dated 29 April 2026. By settling, Hollard has effectively cleared its legal slate concerning the specific conduct outlined in the referral, provided it complies with all terms of the agreement.