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INTRODUCTION
1.1 Globally, competition policy has become a central element of the structural
reform process. Therefore, the rationSlle for thi' s
the need. to maximi$e the benefits of trade Eind investment liberalisation,
c!eregulatibn,priv tisation ' .Slnd to proteGt the b enefits·g n erated by
competition from erosion by anticompetltive pr ctices in 'adere.gulated
environment. The Policy also .ajms to 'address problems 'rel ted Jo the
globalisation of cartels, abuse of market 90minanc arid mOnopOlisation of
key sectors following the opening up of markets and the increase in cross
thereto, a$ well as
border trade, matters connected therewith,
. and incidental
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investment flows.
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1.2 Competition Policy, thus, pro ides a frameWork to preventa h d redress
anticompetitive practices and' qpnduct by firms and to 'Create a pUsiness
friendly environment that encourages competttion nd. effieie,!1t . use of
resources. This, in turn, promotes investment and in-novation,' broadens.
choices for consumers, reduces monopoly rents and .consumer prices and
raises the quality of goods and services produced. Healthy competition thus
drives firms to be more efficiE;mt and to pass on the benefits of efficiency to
consumers.
1.3 Botswana has had an open economy since independence in 1966 and has
consistently sought to strengthen the functioning of markets. In pursuit of
this goal, Government has been developihg and iniplemEmting poliCies arid
programmes for promoting the development of.a dynamic private sector.
1.4 Notwithstahding the forgoing, there is concern about the emerging private
sector anticompetitive practices, which are likely to undermine
Government's economic reform objectives.
1.5 The purpose of this policy paper, therefore, is to establish the parameters
and the strategic policy considerations that will guide the drafHng of a
competition law. It also addresses the regulatory and institutional
infrastructure that will ensure the effective implementation and enforcement
of a competition law.
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