The African Competition Forum (ACF) Biennial Conference 2026 opened on 5 November in Windhoek, Namibia, bringing together competition authorities, partners and invited stakeholders for two days of dialogue and experience sharing. The event is hosted by the Namibian Competition Commission and organised in collaboration with the Competition Commission (Mauritius), as ACF Chair.
The opening ceremony featured addresses by Hon. Jennely Matundu, Namibia’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Trade; Mr Vitalis Ndalikokule, CEO of the Namibian Competition Commission; and Mr Vipin Naugah, Executive Director of the Competition Commission (Mauritius), in his capacity as ACF Chairperson.
In his strategic remarks, Mr Naugah emphasised that cooperation among competition authorities should translate into stronger institutional capabilities and tangible benefits for consumers and businesses. Reflecting on the ACF’s work during the 2024–2026 term, he highlighted the mutually reinforcing role of collaborative research and capacity building through the sharing of enforcement experience.
He recognised the contributions of member authorities, working groups and collaborating partners, and thanked Mr Vitalis Ndalikokule, Chief Executive Officer of the Namibian Competition Commission, and his team for their work in preparing the conference.
The opening included the unveiling of the ACF study on the ‘Role and effect of global commodity traders on competition in African food markets’. It draws on contributions from Angola, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Tunisia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission. Mr Isaac Tausha, Chief Economist of the COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission, and Ms Precious Mathibe, International Relations Specialist of the Competition Commission of South Africa, jointly presented the key findings on behalf of the ACF Advocacy & Research Working Group Co-Chairs.
Two findings are particularly relevant to competition authorities. First, global traders’ activities extend beyond buying and selling commodities into financing, storage, logistics and processing. While this can improve efficiency and access to international markets, the study identifies potential concerns about barriers to entry, exclusion of smaller traders and farmers’ bargaining power.
Second, prices in the markets studied are strongly influenced by regional and global benchmarks, exchange rates and logistics costs. Much trading takes place through bilateral arrangements outside formal exchanges, limiting price transparency and making monitoring more challenging.
The report identifies areas for further examination rather than establishing infringements. It acknowledges gaps in the data available to assess traders’ market positions and calls for enhanced monitoring, greater transparency and stronger cross-border cooperation.
Mr Naugah encouraged ACF members to examine the study’s relevance to their jurisdictions, identify where further evidence is needed and consider appropriate advocacy or enforcement within their mandates.
Held under the theme “Advancing Competition in Africa: Shared Experiences, Emerging Challenges and Evolving Approaches”, the conference continues on 6 November. Alongside its technical discussions, national ACF members will elect the Steering Committee for the 2026–2028 term.
