BRICS International Competition Conference in Cape Town highlights sustainability and global trade

The 9th BRICS International Competition Conference, held in Cape Town, brought together over 300 delegates, including heads of competition authorities, global practitioners, policymakers, academics and representatives of international organisations. This is reported by  BRICS Africa Channel, a partner of TV BRICS.

Hosted by the Competition Commission of South Africa, the event focused on sustainability, digital markets, food security, and the evolving role of competition authorities in promoting a fair and inclusive international economic order.

Opening the conference, Competition Commissioner Doris Tshepe said the forum marks “a new chapter in the journey of BRICS, in the evolution of global competition policy, and in the collective effort of emerging economies to shape a fairer, more inclusive international economic order.”

Delegates discussed integrating sustainability into competition frameworks, emphasising policies aligned with all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Speakers stressed the importance of balancing environmental objectives with social justice, poverty reduction, and economic growth, ensuring benefits for all nations.

Digital markets and artificial intelligence were key topics, with BRICS authorities sharing strategies to promote innovation while ensuring fair competition. In pharmaceuticals and agriculture, participants explored measures to strengthen market access, enhance efficiency, and ensure equitable outcomes.

In his keynote, Ben Joubert, Sous-Sherpa for BRICS South Africa, emphasised the importance of cooperative multilateralism and a new paradigm of partnership “anchored in equity, sustainability and development,” ensuring that the voices and priorities of all nations are reflected.

The conference concluded with heads of BRICS competition authorities outlining a five-year agenda prioritising small business support, oversight of digital and AI-driven markets, and cross-border collaboration. Delegates signed a joint statement committing to strengthen cooperation on mergers, prevent anti-competitive practices.

Commissioner Tshepe affirmed that BRICS aims “not to have a single approach, but rather to create space for diversity and use cooperation to meet collective goals,” advancing “a more inclusive multilateral system where sovereignty is respected, participation is inclusive and mutual development is pursued.”

Hosting rights for the 10th BRICS International Competition Conference were handed over to Brazil.