This paper sets out the findings of an ex-post economic assessment of the conditionally approved merger between Pioneer Hi-Bred International (Pioneer) and Pannar Seed Limited (Pannar). We critically assess the economic effects of the transaction in the South African market for hybrid maize seed...

The South African economy is characterized by concentrated industries, which pose particular challenges for the increased participation agenda. One such industry is the beer industry, where the competition authorities have failed to address market power and the structure of the industry...

Economic regulation, including competition policy, is not an end in itself but a means to an end, and must ultimately have a positive impact on the economy as a whole. However, this positive impact needs to be broad-based or inclusive, particularly in the context of South Africa given its legacy...

Located within a broader project on barriers to entry undertaken for National Treasury, this case study explores the typical challenges faced by new entrants in the supermarket industry in South Africa. It draws insights from the experiences of Fruit and Veg City Ltd. and Choppies Enterprises...

Zambia has experienced very good GDP growth rates in the last decade, above the SSA average. Growth remains largely based on copper exports, and on the high copper price that prevailed until 2013. The country has not yet achieved structural transformation of its domestic economy, in particular...

The efficiency and affordability of transportation, particularly in the road freight sector, is a key enabler in achieving broader industrial policy, trade and regional integration goals in the SADC region. Competition, market structure and arrangements between firms in the road freight sector...

This paper explores the effect of the spread of supermarkets on the participation of suppliers in supermarket value chains in Botswana and South Africa. Using secondary data and in-depth interviews with key players in the value chain, the paper evaluates the buyer power of supermarkets evidenced...

Since the early 2000s, there has been rapid growth in the number and spread of supermarkets in southern Africa. This paper is a synthesis of key findings of studies undertaken in Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe on the expansion of supermarkets and the impact this has had on...

Competition requires rivals. While this rivalry may come from imports, the development of local capabilities and productive capacity, including by black industrialists in the South African context, implies understanding barriers to entry for local producers. Barriers to entry are also critical...

Supermarkets are a key route to market for suppliers of food and household consumable products in South Africa. The growth, performance and strategies of the retail industry driven by JSE-listed supermarket chains therefore has important implications for suppliers and, in turn, for the...