Three of Botswana’s biggest insurance companies are set for a fierce legal battle as they are hauled before the Competition and Consumer Tribunal over allegations of anti-competitive conduct that could shake the motor repair industry.
The Competition and Consumer Authority (CCA) has referred a major case against Botswana Insurance Company (Pty) Ltd, Hollard Insurance Company (Pty) Ltd and Old Mutual Short-Term Insurance (Pty) Ltd. The matter will be heard on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
At the centre of the dispute are accusations that the insurers have been dictating labour charges to auto-body repairers, squeezing independent businesses and limiting fair market competition.
The CCA is also seeking orders to stop the insurers from allegedly imposing markups on spare parts bought for vehicle repairs.
The Tribunal is expected to decide whether the insurers breached the Competition Act of 2018 and what sanctions or remedies should be imposed. Penalties could include orders to change business practices or other punitive measures.
In another explosive claim, the watchdog says the companies have been forcing repairers to source parts only from suppliers preferred by insurers, a move critics say shuts out other businesses and reduces consumer choice.
Reports indicate that if proven, the allegations could expose deep cracks in Botswana’s insurance and motor repair sectors, where garages have long complained of being bullied by powerful corporate players.
The Tribunal is expected to decide whether the insurers breached the Competition Act of 2018 and what sanctions or remedies should be imposed. Penalties could include orders to change business practices or other punitive measures.
The case is likely to be closely watched by motorists, repair shops and the wider business community, as it may redefine how insurers deal with service providers in Botswana.
It is understood that the hearing could mark the start of a major crackdown on corporate muscle in the marketplace.
