Over the past few years, significant developments in competition law have arisen across the African continent. This session highlighted key regulatory frameworks and what to expect going forward, including:
- COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa)
Competition Commission which emerged as a strong and respected regulator over its first 10 years of operating, initially focusing on mergers but more recently conducting investigations of prohibited practices. Discussion included what worked well, what will be changing, and the Commission’s emerging priorities. - African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA)
Discussion includes new opportunities, the regulatory framework and its challenges, agency priorities, and how companies may prepare. A particular focus was given to Kenya and the East Africa Community region. - Nigerian Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC)
Discussion included the FCCPC’s main objectives, what is expected going forward, and changes expected to the thresholds for mandatory merger notification and to filing fees. - South African Competition Commission
Discussions included South Africa’s competition authority focused on enhancing public interest, and the evolving, regulatory landscape, and what companies operating in South Africa may expect and be aware of from a competition law perspective.
