Lipimile, George K. --- "The COMESA Regional Competition Regulations" [2012] ELECD 895; in Drexl, Josef; Bakhoum, Mor; Fox, M. Eleanor; Gal, S. Michal; Gerber, J. David (eds), "Competition Policy and Regional Integration in Developing Countries" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2012)

Book Title: Competition Policy and Regional Integration in Developing Countries

Editor(s): Drexl, Josef; Bakhoum, Mor; Fox, M. Eleanor; Gal, S. Michal; Gerber, J. David

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781781004302

Section: Chapter 10

Section Title: The COMESA Regional Competition Regulations

Author(s): Lipimile, George K.

Number of pages: 24

Extract:

10. The COMESA regional competition
regulations
George K. Lipimile*

1. THE NEED FOR A REGIONAL COMPETITION
POLICY
As a result of the much-supported regional economic integration process
taking place in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
(COMESA) region, it has become imperative for national competition
authorities in the region to cooperate in their competition law enforcement
work in order to deal effectively with restrictions on competition that have
cross-border effects. Similarly, in order for COMESA to achieve success in
the integration of its markets, there is a need to increase transparency and
accountability of government actions, expand and deepen cooperation
between competition authorities, and encourage greater soft harmonization
and convergence of the different national legal systems.
Increased globalization has further meant that a higher percentage of
competition cases now have significant regional and international com-
ponents. As trade and investment liberalization reduces entry barriers, firms
may have greater incentives to engage in anti-competitive practices and
mergers, which would limit market access by other firms. Therefore, the
need for increased regional cooperation can be achieved at different levels
and in different forms. The regional competition law and policy is one such
initiative.

* Mr George K. Lipimile is currently the Director and Chief Executive Officer
of the newly established COMESA Competition Commission ­ a regional body
charged with the enforcement of competition and consumer policy in 19 member
states of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa. He was, further,
Senior Advisor on Competition and Consumer Policy ...