The study assesses the challenges faced by MSMEs in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. The assessment has been conducted with a focus on various sectors in the South African economy including the agriculture, construction, food and beverages and manufacturing.
The study looks at the impact of COVID- 19 on competition and market dynamics in each of the selected sectors as well as the role that competition policy can play in addressing the challenges faced by MSMEs. It considers the measures that have been taken by the government, competition authority and other institutions to protect MSMEs and competition before, during and after the pandemic and poses the question on whether these measures have been sufficient. Furthermore, the analysis seeks to determine how market access, access to finance and competitiveness of MSMEs could be strengthened.