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Market Power, Growth, and Inclusion: The South African Experience

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  • Mr. Vimal V Thakoor

Abstract

Before the pandemic, the South African economy remained stuck in low gear, with anemic growth, stagnant private investment, and a shrinking tradable sector. Subdued growth has raised unemployment, poverty, and inequality, hindering inclusion efforts. The pandemic has worsened economic and social vulnerabilities. Economic recovery and social inclusion hinge critically on structural reforms to boost competiveness and growth. Product markets represent a cornerstone of the reform strategy. Firms have used their market power to drive up prices and limit competition. Important state-owned monopolies provide low-quality services, while representing a fiscal drag. Existing regulations inhibit the entry of both domestic and foreign firms. Addressing product markets constraints could boost per capita growth by 1 percentage point—adding about 2½ percentage points to headline growth—and foster greater inclusion.

Suggested Citation

  • Mr. Vimal V Thakoor, 2020. "Market Power, Growth, and Inclusion: The South African Experience," IMF Working Papers 2020/206, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2020/206
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    Cited by:

    1. Nicola Viegi & Vincent Dadam, 2023. "Investigating unemployment hysteresis in South Africa," Working Papers 11043, South African Reserve Bank.
    2. Samuel Vika Mhlanga & Neil Andrew Rankin, 2021. "Fixed costs, markups and concentration in Eswatini (Swaziland): A firm‐level analysis of panel data," South African Journal of Economics, Economic Society of South Africa, vol. 89(3), pages 391-416, September.

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