世界银行-非洲数字市场的竞争宣传（英）-2024-42页_928kb

Summary of Competition Advocacy for Digital Markets in Africa

Competition advocacy is a critical tool for competition authorities, sector regulators, and other policy bodies at national and regional levels in Africa. It involves activities such as regulatory advice, market studies, collaboration with sector regulators, and awareness-raising to promote competition and market efficiency. There are four main categories: regulatory advice and opinions, market studies/inquiries, collaboration with sector regulators (often through MoUs), and awareness-raising and capacity-building.

At the national level, most competition authorities have mandates for competition advocacy, but implementation is limited, with few having dedicated resources and transparency issues. In the digital economy, advocacy efforts are emerging but remain primarily focused on mobile money and basic infrastructure. At the regional level, authorities like COMESA, ECOWAS, and SADC have advocacy mandates but face capacity and resource constraints.

Key recommendations include:

1. Strengthening National Capacities: National authorities must improve implementation of advocacy mandates and build human resources.
2. Leveraging Regional and Private Sector Collaboration: Regional authorities and private networks should collaborate to address cross-border issues and promote competition in digital infrastructure and markets.
3. Enhancing Digital-Specific Advocacy: Tailored strategies are needed for digital markets, especially addressing issues like data access and interoperability.
4. Regional Integration: Promoting collaboration under frameworks like AfCFTA and Tripartite FTA to foster a unified approach to digital competition.

Overall, systematic competition advocacy can improve market conditions, promote consumer welfare, and support Africa’s digital economy growth.