Competition policy: economic necessity vs. budgetary constraint

Professor Flavien TCHAPGA (Economics, University of Versailles, France) published an intriguing paper on developing effective competition policies in Africa and on the inherent tension this effort faces: their economic necessity on one hand vs. the realpolitik of budgetary constraints on the other hand.  His analysis — available in full PDF to our valued [francophone] readers here — focuses on the member countries of CEMAC and WAEMU.

Abstract:

Because of the promises of efficient markets (protection of consumer interests, reduction of poverty, innovation and economic dynamism), competition policy is an attractive issue for Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) and West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) countries. However, appropriate financial resources are essential for its effectiveness. This paper assesses the competition policy implementation in these two regions. In particular, it focuses on the balance between the issues at stake and dedicated financial resources since this could signal governments’ commitment to ensure effective implementation of competition legislation for better market outcomes.

NOTE: This article was originally published in HORIZONS / Concurrences Law Journal (vol. 01-2013) Institute of Competition Law, re-published here under author’s licence.  Original title (in French): “La politique de la concurrence dans la CEMAC et l’UEMOA  : Entre urgences économiques et contraintes budgétaires“