South Africa’s Competition Commission has launched a wide-ranging review of economic regulations aimed at reducing barriers to entry and improving market access for smaller businesses and firms owned by historically disadvantaged groups.
The exercise will span multiple sectors, focusing on rules and administrative processes that may be limiting competition. The commission will assess whether existing frameworks have contributed to high levels of market concentration, restricted new entrants and reinforced the dominance of established players.
Key areas under scrutiny include licensing and permitting requirements, which are often cited as obstacles for smaller firms attempting to enter regulated industries. The review will also examine administrative delays, compliance costs and sector-specific rules that may inadvertently favour larger incumbents.
While regulations play a role in protecting consumers and ensuring stability, the commission has indicated that poorly designed or implemented rules can have unintended economic effects. These include raising the cost of doing business, slowing market entry and limiting innovation, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises.
The review will also consider structural factors such as vertical integration and exclusionary practices that may prevent fair participation. Particular attention will be given to whether current policies enable meaningful inclusion of historically disadvantaged groups in key sectors of the economy.
Findings from the process are expected to inform proposals to streamline regulation, improve market access and support the expansion of smaller firms, including into export markets. The commission has opened the process to public input, with submissions invited until early June 2026.