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Industrial-policy objectives in South African competition policy

Author

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  • Willem Boshoff

    (University of Stellenbosch)

Abstract

South African competition policy has long pursued industrial-policy objectives alongside its core competition mandate. Public-interest considerations were embedded in merger control from 1998, and the 2018 amendments gave them equal legal status with the competition assessment. These developments preceded the current European debate on using competition policy to advance innovation and other industrial policy objectives in the EU. This paper examines how industrial-policy objectives have been pursued in South African competition policy over the past thirty years. In merger control, these are often advanced through conditions involving ESOPs, HDP ownership commitments, and supplier and enterprise-development funds, as well as through potential-competition theories of merger harm. They are also advanced by similar types of remedies following market inquiries and, increasingly, abuse and cartel investigations.

Suggested Citation

  • Willem Boshoff, 2026. "Industrial-policy objectives in South African competition policy," ERSA Working Paper Series 360, Economic Research Southern Africa.
    • Handle: RePEc:rza:ersawp:360
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    File URL: https://ersawps.org/index.php/working-paper-series/article/view/360/212
    File Function: First version, 2026
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    JEL classification:

    • L40 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - General
    • K21 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - Antitrust Law
    • O25 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy - - - Industrial Policy

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