Opening the Economy

What does it take for entrepreneurs to be effective competitors? What are the factors affecting entry and participation in sectors where there are historically strong incumbent firms? Opening the South African Economy brings to light the challenges of concentration, inequality and exclusion in different sectors of the South African economy. The book begins with an assessment of the current state of the economy. Detailed case studies then recount the experiences – good and bad – of well-known South African entrant firms in sectors that are critical for facilitating economic growth, including retail, food, fuel, telecommunications, airlines and banking. Important cross-cutting chapters reflect on the role that government policies can play in achieving a more open, inclusive and competitive economy and the use (and misuse) of policy tools such as competition law, black economic empowerment and state procurement. It concludes with a set of concrete recommendations for opening up the South African economy, improved coordination among state institutions and inclusive industrial development.

‘A persuasive book …. The authors offer an agenda to meet the urgent challenge.’ – Eleanor M Fox, Walter J Derenberg Professor of Trade Regulation at New York University School of Law ‘ … compelling economic research and a fascinating read.’ – Frederic Jenny, Professor of Economics at ESSEC Business School in Paris and Chairman of the OECD Competition Committee ‘ … a timely review of South Africa’s journey to opening up markets … ‘ – Mondo Mazwai, Chairperson, Competition Tribunal of South Africa

Thando Vilakazi is Director at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development (CCRED). Sumayya Goga is a Senior Researcher at CCRED. Simon Roberts is a professor at the University of Johannesburg, in the School of Economics, and Lead Researcher at CCRED.