Maria Nkhonjera

Regulating piped-gas: Sasol’s pricing and the impact on large industrial users

Regulating piped-gas: Sasol’s pricing and the impact on large industrial users

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in May 2018 made a decision to have the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (NERSA) methodology for regulating piped-gas prices reviewed. The natural gas market has seen rapid expansion over recent years, growing as an alternative source of energy in South Africa and the southern African region. Gas is a key source of energy for both industrial and residential use. In the market for piped-gas, Sasol is the dominant supplier and importer of piped gas transmitted from Mozambique.

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The Case for Patient Capital: Small Business Funding in South Africa

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The Case for Patient Capital: Small Business Funding in South Africa

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are key drivers of inclusive growth in the South African economy, contributing about 55% to the gross domestic product, while their contribution towards employment is as high as 60%. In addition, small firms and new entrants enhance competition within different economic sectors, resulting in lower prices and greater variety for consumers, as well as dynamic and productive efficiencies.

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Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) rules on USSD Pricing

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Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) rules on USSD Pricing

The Competition Authority of Kenya has ordered all mobile money service providers, including Safaricom, to disclose all mobile money service fees payable by consumers for USSD (unstructured supplementary service data) based transactions.

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ACF & World Bank Report: Boosting competition in African markets

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ACF & World Bank Report: Boosting competition in African markets

Lauralyn Kaziboni and Maria Nkhonjera

The African Competition Forum and World Bank Group (ACF-WB) Competition Policy Report reviews crosscutting issues in competition enforcement in Africa, providing key insights on constraints and key areas for intervention.

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Review of COMESA merger and enforcement activity

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Review of COMESA merger and enforcement activity

Maria Nkhonjera and Tatenda Zengeni

Since opening its doors in January 2013 the COMESA Competition Commission (CCC) has seen growth in the number of its merger cases. This growth followed a number of challenges initially faced with the interpretation of certain provisions of the Act, jurisdiction and high filing fees.

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New energy in the region’s fuel market: Puma Energy - Brent Oil merger

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New energy in the region’s fuel market: Puma Energy - Brent Oil merger

Maria Nkhonjera

The recent merger in South Africa between Puma Energy and Brent Oil, recently approved by the competition authorities, may change the competitive landscape in regional and South African markets for fuel retail, leveraging Puma’s long-established presence throughout the rest of the region. This article considers the implications of the merger.