Cheap imports threaten survival of SA’s small farmers JOHANNESBURG

The papers are to be filed electronically and the tribunal may direct that proceedings be conducted via video or telephone link.

The regulations very important state to the that if there is implementation, a substantial dispute the official of fact which said. cannot Strong be governments resolved on affidavit, are necessary it can refer to ensure the

the implementation, said matter to oral evidence on an

Enock Twinoburyo, Senior expedited basis. Economist at the Sustainable Development Goals Center for Africa based in Kigali, capital city of Rwanda, noting that political challenges or political pressures in different countries lately will affect the implementation.

Poor infrastructure, non- tariff barriers to protect local industries and funding constraints for transition of the AfCFTA could also affect the implementation of the AfCFTA, said Twinoburyo.

The AfCFTA is regarded as the world’s largest free trade zone by the number of countries, covering more than 1.2 billion people, with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of 2.5 trillion U.S. dollars.

Once operational, the African free trade accord is also projected to boost the level of intra-Africa trade by more than 52 percent by the year 2020, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

ORLANDO WEST - NEW and hygiene supplies and

regulations to clamp down emergency clean-up products.

on profiteering during the A firm found to have

lockdown allow for the contravened these is liable

Competition Tribunal to hear for penalties of a fine up to

matters on an urgent basis - R1 million or 10% of the firm’s

According to impose to the pricing AU, orders. turnover and imprisonment the The remaining urgent work complaints for the for a period not exceeding 12 procedure AfCFTA is for has the AU now and been months. clarified African ministers and follows of trade the to general The latest regulations, rules finalize applicable work on supporting in civil court gazetted on Friday, say a proceedings, instruments to facilitate albeit the with complaint must be laid by truncated launch of the time operational periods. filing a notice of motion, with phase Complaints of the AfCFTA may during be lodged a founding affidavit, with the an extra-ordinary heads under the Consumer Protection Competition Commission. of state and government regulations drafted to protect The complaint must indicate summit on July 7. consumers These instruments and customers include the order sought against the from rules of ”unconscionable origin, schedules of unfair, respondent and state the name unreasonable tariff concessions and on trade unjust or and address, electronic or improper in goods, online commercial non-tariff practices” otherwise, of all respondents. and barriers excessive monitoring pricing. and The commission may refer elimination The regulations mechanism, dictate that the complaint to the tribunal. any digital price payments increase and which does If it issues a non-referral, the settlement platform and not correspond to the increase complainant can then go African Trade Observatory in providing goods and services directly to the tribunal. Portal. effective implementation, development and may also or increases the net margin or The complainant must set out

Permanent Secretary said Sebera, who is also an have different understanding mark-up of Rwanda’s above Ministry the of average expert in international the grounds trade for urgency of the AfCFTA and objectives, in Trade the and three Industry month Michel period and development material industry. facts or points Sebera of said. law prior Minega to Sebera 1 March said this the year, can Nigeria, Africa’s and evidence largest in support He also of said the awareness come implementation under the can’t scrutiny be of economy, the has case. so far opted and sensitization of tribunal. effective before negotiations not to ratify the Respondents agreement. have stakeholders 72 hours should be on The some goods key implementing and services Over 50 to percent file answering of the affidavits a continuous and activity listed instruments, are basic including food and continent’s the cumulative complainant GDP another before and 24 during the consumer rules of origin items, and tariff emergency are contributed hours by after Egypt, that to implementation file any further process. concessions are completed. Nigeria and South Africa, The private sector and products and services, medical papers.

Despite the fact that the while Africa’s six sovereign business community required 22 ratifications for island nations collectively have to play a key role the AfCFTA agreement to contribute just 1 percent, in the implementation enter into force have been according to reports. process, whose reached, the rest of African African countries proper understanding countries should join for its are at different levels of and contribution are