Written by Noëlle Quénivet
On 24 March 2026, the Global Crime, Justice and Security Research Group at Bristol Law School, in collaboration with the Centre for African Social and Economic Transformation (CASET), hosted a timely and insightful event entitled “Locating the Impact of Competition Regulations on African Trade and Entrepreneurial Development.” Held on campus and online, the event brought together academics and practitioners to explore how competition regulation can unlock trade, support entrepreneurship and address structural inequalities across the African continent.
Opening remarks: Framing the debate
The event began with welcome remarks by Dr Mary Young, the Lead of the Research Group Global Crime, Justice and Security, who set the foundation by emphasising the central role of trade in Africa’s development. She highlighted that sustainable economic growth across the continent depends not only on expanding markets but also on establishing robust and effective competition rules. Such frameworks, she noted, are essential to ensuring fairness, preventing abuse and fostering long-term development.
Dr Austin Nwafor then introduced the keynote speaker, Hon. Justice Dr Nnamdi Dimgba, a Judge of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria. Dr Dimgba is an alumnus of Bristol Law School, where he earned a PhD in Law, focusing on the relationship between European competition law and the European Convention on Human Rights.
Keynote Address: “Competition Regulations: A Panacea for Trade and Enterprise in Africa”
The keynote address was delivered by Hon. Justice Dr Nnamdi Dimgba who provided a wide-ranging and deeply analytical assessment of competition regulation across Africa.
His central argument was that competition law cannot be understood in isolation; it must be situated within the broader economic, demographic, and structural realities of the continent. Africa’s market potential is considerable, supported by a large and growing population and opportunities for industrial development. However, this potential remains constrained by structural challenges, including fragmented markets, limited domestic economies and poor infrastructure.
A key concern raised was the persistence of economic stagnation in many regions, with a significant proportion of the population living in poverty. Small domestic markets hinder meaningful participation in global trade, while investors tend to favour larger, more integrated economies with skilled workforces. In this context, regional integration initiatives have emerged as a critical strategy. The development of trade agreements and regional blocs has contributed to trade liberalisation, while the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a landmark step forward, particularly with its competition policy protocol, which aims to foster cooperation, enhance enforcement and create a level playing field.
Yet, the keynote also underscored persistent gaps. Notably, many African states still lack competition laws, and jurisdictional fragmentation remains a major obstacle. Competition policy must therefore be aligned with broader efforts to address trade deficits and promote intra-African trade. Hon. Justice Dr Dimgba also highlighted sector-specific concerns, including high levels of concentration in banking and energy markets, which limit competition and can lead to excessive pricing.
Importantly, the keynote recognised that competition law must strike a balance: while preventing anti-competitive behaviour, it must also preserve incentives for innovation. Regulatory frameworks should thus be carefully calibrated to avoid stifling growth.
Panel discussion: Bridging law, practice and reality
The panel discussion, introduced by Dr Austin Nwafor, brought together a diverse group of experts from law, economics, and business. Panellists included Mr Christian Dadomo (Former Senior Lecturer at UWE and PhD supervisor of Dr Dimgba)) , Professor Paschal Anosike, Dr Chisa Onyejekwe, Dr Olerato Ogotseng, Dr Alex Pietrus, and Dr Prince Olokotor, each offering distinct yet complementary perspectives.
The discussion highlighted significant institutional weaknesses across the continent. Competition authorities are often underfunded and subject to political interference, while judicial systems may lack the independence or capacity required for effective enforcement. Fragmented jurisdiction, inconsistent regulation, and limited coordination between regional bodies further undermine effectiveness.
The panel explored the challenges of adopting and enforcing competition law, with particular reference to Nigeria. It was noted that legislative delays can be attributed to resistance from powerful industry actors with vested interests and political connections. The influence of external models, particularly from the European Union and the United States, was also debated, with participants emphasising the need for context-specific approaches.
A recurring theme throughout the panel was the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). They account for a substantial proportion of employment across Africa and are often the backbone of local economies. However, many operate informally, without legal recognition, access to finance, or adequate infrastructure.
Informality presents a fundamental challenge for competition regulation. Traditional legal frameworks assume formal, visible markets, yet much of Africa’s economic activity takes place in informal sectors. These “invisible” economies, such as township markets, provide crucial employment and services but remain marginalised in policy design.
Panellists also emphasised systemic barriers faced by SMEs, including limited access to finance, inadequate transport infrastructure and complex regulatory environments. While competition law aims to promote fairness, it must be implemented in a manner that supports, rather than hinders, SME growth.
Further insights were provided into sectoral concentration and market access. South Africa was used as an example of a relatively open economy with established competition institutions, yet one in which SMEs continue to face significant financing challenges. Financial institutions often perceive SMEs as high-risk investments, limiting access to credit and constraining growth. This issue is particularly acute for entrepreneurs from historically disadvantaged communities, many of whom enter business out of necessity rather than opportunity. While support schemes exist, a lack of awareness and limited capacity-building opportunities often prevent effective uptake.
Many panellists emphasised the need to recognise the realities of informal economies. Much economic activity is not captured in official data, creating challenges for regulation and policy design. They stressed the importance of developing frameworks that legitimise and support these sectors without undermining their flexibility.
Structural and historical factors were also identified as key drivers of inequality. High barriers to entry in certain industries mean that local communities often fail to benefit from economic activities. This raises broader questions about sustainability, equity and the distribution of wealth.
Another critical issue discussed was legal pluralism across African jurisdictions. Differences in legal frameworks between countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa create challenges for harmonisation and enforcement. The absence of binding regional laws further complicates integration efforts and raises questions about sovereignty and supranational authority.
Conclusion
The event wrapped up with Dr Sejal Chandak’s remarks who, reflecting on India and Africa, noted the lasting effects of colonial legacies alongside the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit present in both regions. The discussions emphasised that while competition law is crucial, it should be part of a broader framework that includes structural reform, institutional strengthening and inclusive development.
The BLS–CASET event examined competition regulation in Africa, showing its potential and challenges. Despite progress, particularly with initiatives like the AfCFTA, significant issues persist. Policymakers need to address institutional weaknesses, improve coordination, and develop tailored legal frameworks, while also supporting the informal economies that many rely on. Effective competition law can transform markets and promote innovation, but it is not a cure-all; it must be integrated into a broader strategy to unlock Africa’s economic potential and ensure equitable development.
PS: Copilot was used to structure handwritten notes taken during this event and the final version was edited using Grammarly.