Grocery retail remains an enforcement priority across jurisdictions, with regulatory attention increasingly extending along the agri-food value chain, from seed and agri-chemical inputs to fertiliser and fresh produce. Drawing on recent market inquiries in South Africa, Kenya and beyond, alongside comparative international experience, this session examines key findings and enforcement trends across the sector and considers the implications of consolidation at the input level for competition throughout the value chain.

Special attention will be given to poultry, including Zambia’s scrutiny of poultry mergers and ongoing commentary suggesting that global competition authorities have failed Africa by approving a series of poultry mergers. The session shall also interrogate the prospect of a poultry market inquiry in South Africa and franchising, where South Africa’s franchise market inquiry and Kenya’s provisions regulating franchise arrangements offer contrasting regulatory approaches.