The Center for Competition and Fair-Trading Commission (CFTC) has refunded K2.1 billion to Airtel Malaŵi PLC.

The refund follows an order by the High Court, which directed the Commission to refund telecommunications giant after an appeal over what CFTC described as unconscionable conduct in the trade of goods and services in 2021.

“By failing to promptly pay Khethekhethe Bonus to all deserving consumers who reached the minimum threshold of K1,000 per month; and consequently, forfeiting the same to the company’s advantage, the Respondent acted unreasonably and without conscience.

“In view of the foregoing, the Commission determined that the Respondent contravened Section 43 (1) (g) of the Competition and Fair-Trading Act (CFTA).

But speaking to YONECO FM, CFTC spokesperson Innocent Helema, said despite the Commission refunding the fine, it will proceed with appealing the matter.

“CFTC refunded all the money as ordered by the court on August 17, 2023.

“CFTC appealed against the High Court decision, and we await the scheduling of the hearing on the same,” he said.

Helema added that the refund will not affect the Commission’s operations.

CFTC launched investigations against Airtel Malawi following several complaints from consumers against the Airtel Malaŵi PLC.

The complainants alleged that the Respondent’s customers are entitled to a monthly bonus (Khethekhethe Bonus) based on the consumption of a certain threshold of value for voice calls. Allegedly, for some time, the Company had been crediting customer accounts automatically with monthly bonuses earned during a particular month.

This, according to the complainants, was easily accessible and beneficial to all eligible customers regardless of network availability.