The Namibian Competition Commission (NACC) and the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development (CCRED) in the School of Economics at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), are honoured to host the 10th African Competition and Economic Regulation (ACER) Week in-person, in Windhoek, Namibia. ACER is an essential platform for competition authorities, regulators, and practitioners to share knowledge, keep abreast of key developments across the continent, and build networks for collaboration between agencies.

The week will comprise two targeted Professional Training Programmes (PTPs), which run concurrently from 29 September – 1 October 2025 and a Conference on 2 & 3 October 2025. The PTPs will be facilitated by leading academics, experts, and practitioners to empower participants with relevant skills and knowledge in the field. The Conference will address issues of direct interest to competition authorities, economic regulators and practitioners in Africa (see Call for Papers).

1. Competition Law and Practice PTP

Addressing core areas in competition economics, this PTP is targeted at competition and consumer protection practitioners. The PTP will cover topics in mergers, anti-competitive conduct and consumer protection. The key principles will be taught along with their practical application in cases. Emphasis will be placed on topical debates in regional enforcement, issues of competition and consumer protection in digital markets and on developments in different jurisdictions in East and Southern Africa and around the world.

The course will be delivered through a series of lectures and case examples from the continent and internationally. As part of facilitated breakout groups, hypothetical exercises will be undertaken to enhance learning and apply concepts. Facilitators will be leading experts in competition economics and consumer protection with in-depth hands-on experience of cases in African jurisdictions and globally.

2. Economics of Competition and Regulation PTP

This course covers core legal principles in competition law and policy and the application of those principles in cases and inquiries. The focus is on practical aspects of competition enforcement such as initiating investigations, commissioning market inquiries, running hearings, negotiation/settlement, and using the law to gather evidence. With particular attention to the overlap between law and economics and examples from recent African cases, the PTP will also address making and appealing the decisions of competition authorities. Presenters include those who have participated in precedent-setting decisions, processes and regulation drafting on the continent. Attention will also be placed on regional competition enforcement in light of the AfCFTA.

ACER 2025 Fees and Booking

To reserve your place for the PTPs and Conference click here to complete the booking form. Note that the booking form contains further information on how to reserve your place for all or a combination of sessions. Registration closes on 30 August 2025. Queries can be directed to Seli Nthite. Tel: +27 11 559 7523. E-mail: selim@uj.ac.za