In recently published analysis Competition in the Digital Economy, Baker McKenzie competition law experts identified common themes related to merger control, abuse of dominance and cartel conduct in Africa, that point to the nexus between competition regulation and the digital economy.
Baker McKenzie recently produced a comprehensive guide covering latest developments in competition law in 25 African countries. The guide, titled An Overview of Competition & Antitrust Regulations and Developments in Africa: 2021, can be downloaded here.
Overall, globalization has contributed to economic growth in Africa, but post COVID-19, authorities around the world are tightening restrictions and implementing barriers to foreign investments in a bid to protect industries that may be left vulnerable during these times. Lerisha Naidu, Partner, and Selma Matsinhe, Associate, in the Competition and Antitrust Practice Group in Johannesburg, explain how a careful balance needs to be struck between protectionism and attracting foreign investment.
Numerous competition authorities in Africa are aware of the effects of unjustified price hikes and excessive pricing on already vulnerable economies. They have responded by establishing specialised investigation teams, refocusing existing resources to COVID-19 specific complaints and introducing new competition regulations – as is the case in South Africa. African…
To manage the risk of losing their human capital to competitors, certain employers have implemented no-poach agreements or clauses. Such agreements have triggered concern from competition authorities, including those in the US, and could be on the radar of South African competition authorities aiming to facilitate a fair labor market in South Africa post COVID-19. Lerisha Naidu, Partner, and Thato Mkhize, Candidate Attorney in Competition and Antitrust Practice Group in Johannesburg explain.
In brief Countries around the globe are facing unprecedented and rapid change due COVID-19. South Africa is no exception, with the government introducing various relief schemes and new regulations in response to the devastating socioeconomic impacts of the pandemic. These developments have important implications for businesses and individuals in South…
In brief COVID-19 has thrust much of the business world into a universe of unprecedented uncertainty. This poses significant challenges for many businesses, but it also presents opportunities. In a new series, DealMaking in a Virtual World, Lerisha Naidu and Ryan McKerrow from the Johannesburg Competition & Antitrust Practice Group,…
In brief COVID-19 has brought about unfavorable consequences for companies and many of them will be facing financial hardships in the aftermath of the pandemic. One of the most effective ways in which companies may address financial di756876 stress is through mergers. Lerisha Naidu, Sphesihle Nxumalo, and Thando Thabethe, from…
The substantial increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa has led to innumerable complaints of anti-competitive conduct from customers and consumers across the continent, who have expressed concerns over sudden price hikes of healthcare and hygiene products as well as identified essential products. This has prompted rapid responses from African…
The South African government has been promptly responsive in formulating ways in which to maintain business viability so as to minimise the undoubtedly crippling effects of COVID-19 and to ensure swift and effective healthcare service in the country. To this end, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition in South…