The regional competition watchdog has initiated an inquiry into the proposed acquisition of Bamburi Cement Plc by Amsons Industries (K) Limited, following a notification under Article 24 of the COMESA Competition Regulations.

The COMESA Competition Commission says the deal would see Amsons, a Kenyan-incorporated firm backed by Tanzania's Amsons Industries, acquire Bamburi Cement and its subsidiaries.

Amsons operates in Tanzania's grey cement market through Mbeya Cement, in which it holds a 65 percent stake, and Camel Concrete (T) Ltd.

The group has a presence in several COMESA countries, including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, and Zambia.

Bamburi Cement, listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, operates two integrated cement plants and various concrete facilities in Kenya, with additional operations in Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and the DRC.

The acquisition involves a public bid by Amsons for up to 100 percent of Bamburi's ordinary shares at KES 65 per share, translating to $180 million

The move is set to intensify competition with other established players such as Simba cement owned by billionaire Narendra Raval, which recently commissioned a clinker plant in West Pokot.

The Commission will assess whether the transaction could stifle competition or conflict with public interest under Article 26 of the regulations. Stakeholders, including competitors, suppliers, and customers, have been invited to submit their views on the inquiry.