Cape Town, South Africa, 20 May 2025 – The AfCFTA Secretariat has successfully hosted its inaugural AfCFTA Heads of Competition Authorities Meeting, held from 19 to 20 May 2025 in Cape Town. This landmark event marks a significant step in the implementation of the Protocol on Competition Policy, bringing together regulators and stakeholders from across the continent and beyond.

The two-day meeting opened with in-depth roundtable discussions on the regulation of competition in Africa’s digital markets and the operationalisation of the AfCFTA Competition Authority and Tribunal, which are key priorities as the continent deepens its economic integration.

In his address, His Excellency Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA, highlighted the strategic importance of competition policy to the Agreement’s long-term success. “The Competition Authority is a cornerstone of Africa’s economic transformation, ensuring that our markets are not only integrated but fair, inclusive and dynamic,” he said. “We must work together to build a culture of competition in Africa, one that is understood and supported by businesses, civil society and consumers alike.”

The meeting brought together a diverse group of participants from the public and private sectors, including major digital platforms such as Google, SMEs operating in Africa’s digital economy, leading law firms and competition regulators from across the continent. A representative from the Directorate-General for Competition of the European Commission also joined the discussions, offering a valuable global perspective.

This inaugural meeting has laid a solid foundation for collaborative enforcement, shared learning and the promotion of fair competition across the African continent.