PLENARY SESSION 1: THE IMPACT OF FRACTURING MULTILATERALISM ON COMPETITION ENFORCEMENTBackground:

Following 2024’s ‘year of elections’ fracturing multilateralism and the pursuit of zero-sum mercantilist policies has now become a feature of the geo-political landscape as the US and EU seek to restore competitiveness and growth in competition with China. Already this has spilled over into competition law enforcement with threats from the US to retaliate against countries imposing restrictions on its tech companies, which has led the EU to review punitive measures they were poised to take under the DMA. It has also led to debates about whether competition policy should take a back seat to investment and industrial policy aimed at improving growth and competitiveness. At the same time, academic research and the OECD have identified competition as an essential feature of a successful industrial policy and improving competition in SA markets was one of two World Bank recommendations. This session will discuss how the changing global order may impact on competition policy and cooperation globally but also nationally.

Speakers:
Moderator: Imraan Valodia, Competition Tribunal SA Panellists: Zuko Godlimpi (DM:DTIC), Eleanor Fox (NYU), Trudi Makhaya (PEAC), India Competition Authority (Mrs Ravneet Kaur), Andrea Marvan (ICN Chair) (virtual)

PLENARY SESSION 2: THE INTEGRATION AGENDA OF AFCFTA AND THE DIRECTION FOR NATIONAL, REGIONAL AND CONTINENTAL COMPETITION POLICYBackground:

Unlocking the potential of Africa’s markets for regional trade and growth is critical for the continent’s economic transformation. By enhancing intra-African trade, improving regional value chains and promoting economic integration, African nations can leverage their vast resources and emerging consumer markets to drive sustainable growth. Key to this is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to eliminate tariffs, reduce trade barriers, and foster greater cooperation between member states. Strengthening infrastructure, harmonising regulations, and facilitating access to financing will be essential in unlocking market opportunities. With these strategic efforts, Africa can realise its full potential as a dynamic economic force in the global market. Competition policy plays a vital role by ensuring that markets remain open, fair and competitive, preventing anti-competitive behaviour that can stifle innovation and limit market access.

Speakers:
Moderator: Hardin Ratshisusu, Deputy Commissioner
Panellists: Mohamed Ali (AfCFTA Director of Trade in Goods and Competition), Willard Mwemba (Comesa), Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter (DDG trade DTIC), Dr Mahmoud Momtaz (Chair ECA), Dr Simeon Konan Koffi (Ecowas – online participant)

PLENARY SESSION 3: COMPETITION POLICY IN DYNAMIC GROWTH MARKETSBackground:

With the growth of rapidly evolving dynamic markets such as online retail and digital financial services, Competition Authorities may need to consider more than the traditional substantive assessment of price and quality when assessing these markets. Because of the market dynamism, Competition Authorities may need to adopt nonconventional theories assessing key factors such as innovation, investment and future prices. However, dynamic markets present a challenge as concerns have been raised regarding the stringent competition regulation and the adverse effect this may have on innovation and market dynamism. The plenary will discuss how can competition law can strike the right balance in dynamic markets that fosters innovation rather than hinder it.

Speakers:
Moderator: Itumeleng Lesofe, Acting DM: Market Inquiries Panellists: Safeera Mayet (Head of Regulatory: SAVC), Adalberto Cauaia (Head of Legal and Litigation: Angola Competition Authority), Cllr Tshifhiwa Maumela (ICASA Councillor), David K. Kemei (Director General, Competition Authority of Kenya)

PLENARY SESSION 4: COMPETITION POLICY AND RE-INDUSTRIALISATIONBackground:

As economies around the world navigate the era of geopolitical realignment, technological transformation and green transition, the resurgence of industrial policy has re-entered the policy mainstream. Governments are increasingly deploying targeted interventions to foster strategic industries, rebuild domestic manufacturing capacity and enhance economic resilience. In this shifting landscape, competition policy faces new pressures and expectations. There is debate as to whether existing competition frameworks are flexible enough to accommodate evolving industrial realities, or if a more fundamental rebalancing between market forces and state intervention is required. This session will explore how competition policy can be aligned with national and regional industrial strategies, to support long term economic growth.

Speakers:
Moderator: Prof Thando Vilakazi, University of Johannesburg
Panellists: Simphiwe Hamilton (DG: DTIC), Dr Gloria Serobe (Wiphold Chair & TUT Chancellor), Khulekani Mathe (BUSA CEO), Kganki Matabane (BBC CEO), Fiona Tregenna (SARCHI chair in industrial development/PEAC) – virtual participant, Reena das Nair (UJ), Busisiwe Mavuso (CEO Business Leadership SA), Mzwandile Masina (PC DTIC Chair)

PLENARY SESSION 5: COMPETITION POLICY IN FOSTERING GREATER ACCESS TO CREDIT/LOANSBackground:

Financial inclusion for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is a critical issue for fostering economic growth and development, especially in emerging markets. SMEs often face significant barriers in accessing affordable financing, such as limited credit history, high interest rates, or lack of collateral. This can stifle innovation, reduce competitiveness, and hinder job creation. A robust financial inclusion framework for SMEs can empower them by improving access to diverse financial products and services, such as loans, insurance and payment systems. Competition policy can play a key role in promoting financial inclusion if there is a well-crafted balance of both competition and prudential regulation.

Speakers:
Moderator: Bukhosibakhe Majenge, Chief Legal Counsel/Acting Deputy Commissioner Panellists: Dr Nthabiseng Moleko (University of Stellenbosch Business School), Margaret Nienaber (CFO, Standard Bank), Magdeline Thidiela (Capitec), Maurice Nzuki (Legal Services, Competition Authority of Kenya)