Enrolment options
The interface between competition policy and MSME development
Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are vital contributors to economic development, employment generation, and innovation. However, they often face structural barriers when entering and operating in markets, including limited access to finance, information asymmetries, and unfair competitive practices. These challenges were further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the market exit of many MSMEs and disrupted supply chains globally.
Competition policy plays a crucial role in creating a level playing field for all market participants, including MSMEs. By ensuring open and fair markets, preventing anti-competitive conduct, and promoting pro-competitive regulations, competition policy can help unlock the potential of MSMEs as engines of growth and economic resilience. Moreover, interventions by governments, MSME agencies, and competition authorities during the pandemic—such as actions against price gouging, temporary allowances for cooperative arrangements, and financial support—have underscored the importance of coherent and balanced policy responses in times of crisis.
This course aims to equip officials from competition authorities, MSME development agencies, and other relevant stakeholders with tools and practical knowledge to better understand the interface between MSME development and competition policy. It will also support the design of strategies that promote the sustainable growth and resilience of MSMEs in a post-pandemic context.
This online course is complimentary courtesy of UNCTAD and will run from 2 June 2025 until 31 July 2025. The online course integrates self-paced learning with no specific login time.
The course is free and open to participants from UNCTAD member States. Candidates must be nominated by their governments. Interested individuals may also contact valentina.rivas@unctad.org and gouri.umesh@unctad.org to express their interest in participating.
Objectives
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Enhance awareness of the relevance of Competition policy to MSMEs and how Competition policy can enhance MSMEs market access.
- Inform policy makers on how to integrate MSMEs and Competition policy into economic recovery plans.
- Raise awareness of how Competition and MSMEs policies are interlinked and can support the economy post-crisis.
- Strengthen the capacity of MSMEs to face challenges in the digital markets and promote advocacy initiatives.
- Understand the various barriers that affect access to finance by MSMEs.
- Understand the importance of inter-institutional cooperation for MSME growth and development.
Methodology
Your learning experience will take place in an online virtual learning environment in UNCTAD learning management system. You can log in at any time and at your convenience. Once online, you will be able to read the assigned texts, access digital learning resources and participate in the online activities.
Our learning model is built around three key characteristics: our courses are designed to be interactive, case-based and practical.
You will engage with various interactive online activities, and concepts will be brought to life through real-world competition law related cases that place you in the shoes of the regulators. As you and your peers discuss the challenges these regulators faced and debate solutions, you will learn vital competition law and policy concepts you can apply to your own career.
Our courses are also uniquely practical and based on real cases. To get the most out of the course, every participant must commit to teaching and learning from each other. Your cohort's diversity provides a unique opportunity for you to experience new perspectives and strengthen your own learning while helping others as well.
Contents
Module 1: Interlinkages between Competition Policy and MSMEs
Module 2: MSME challenges, Market Access and Market Positioning
Module 3: MSMEs and Access to Finance
Module 4: MSMEs and E-Commerce / Digitalisation
Module 5: Inter-agency / Institutional Collaboration
Target Audience
Government officials responsible for MSME, domestic trade and industry
Competition and MSME Development Agency Officials
Representatives of MSME organisations
Academicians
Civil society representatives
Prerequisites
There is no pre-requisite requirements to participate in this online course.
Cost participation
This online course is complimentary courtesy of UNCTAD. It is free and available to developing countries.
