Network Industries
“DNA Economics aims to enhance infrastructure’s contribution to economic development and growth through regulatory and impact analysis”
DNA Economics’ Network Industries practice area specialises in providing economic and regulatory research for critical infrastructure sectors in developing countries. Our focus spans the industries that form the backbone of modern economies: transport, energy, telecommunications, water and sanitation, and waste management.
These industries are unique due to their inherent network effects and natural monopolistic tendencies, necessitating careful oversight to ensure fair access, competition and consumer protection. Our team of experts is dedicated to navigating these complexities and are focused on generating insights and solutions that drive sustainable, equitable and efficient outcomes.
Services
- Budget, costing, and funding analysis
- Regulatory, social and economic impact assessments
- Development, evaluation, and reform of national policies and guideline frameworks
- Feasibility studies
- Market assessments and forecasting
- Performance benchmarking
- Pricing strategy and tariff design
- Regulatory reviews and submissions
Selected projects from our work in this area
- Research for a South African development finance institution (DFI), focusing on port tariffs, port inefficiencies, and a review of tariff methodologies used by various port regulators internationally.
- The appointment of DNA Economics by the South African Department of Transport to provide support on the development of a single transport economic regulator. DNA Economics provided all the necessary background research and the technical, institutional and legal advice required to scope and implement a new economic regulator in South Africa. Through this, the Economic Regulation of Transport Act was promulgated and signed into law in 2024. The Transport Economic Regulator will be responsible for economic regulation across road, rail, shipping, ports and aviation.
- Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIAs) undertaken for several pieces of legislation, including regulation related to the alcohol beverages industry in South Africa, for the Consumer Protection Act in South Africa, and legislation related to the roads sector in Namibia. DNA Economics has also provided training on RIAs and RIA principles to policymakers across Southern Africa.
For more information please contact:
Dr Matthew Townshend
matthew.townshend@dnaeconomics.com