The University of Pretoria’s 2025 International Consumer Law Conference (UPICLC), held from 1 to 3 October 2025 at the scenic Skukuza Safari Lodge in Mpumalanga, brought together leading scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and postgraduate researchers for a dynamic three-day gathering focused on consumer law, digital innovation, AI ethics, and financial regulation, with a particular emphasis on African perspectives and comparative approaches.

“The UPICLC has become a vital platform for rigorous intellectual exchange on issues that shape the future of consumer protection, particularly in the context of rapid technological change”, said Dr Jani van Wyk, welcoming the delegates.“This conference is not just about sharing research — it is about building networks, fostering collaboration, and generating solutions that respond to the realities of consumers on the African continent and beyond.”

The postgraduate workshop provided essential research insights for both emerging and established scholars. Prof Reinhard Steennot discussed the importance of a constructive supervisor–student relationship, Dr Tronel Joubert, Tilburg University explored strategic topic selection and research proposal development, and Prof Andrew Godwin offered guidance on comparative research design in developing contexts.

Following the workshop, leaders from the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency officially welcomed delegates, transitioning the event into a formal academic program.

Day one focused on consumer protection and financial regulation from African and global perspectives. Keynote presentations traced the evolution of consumer law and its contemporary challenges.

• Prof Jacolien Barnard highlighted South Africa’s significant contributions to consumer protection law in her presentation Connections and connectors: The contribution of South Africa to the development of Consumer Protection Law – developments and challenges on a national and international scale.
• Prof Steennot explored the implications of the new EU Consumer Credit Directive.
• Prof Kenneth Mwenda (World Bank) examined Emerging trends in the structuring of unified financial services regulation in Sub-Saharan Africa.

A keynote panel moderated by Prof Stefan van Eck fostered robust discussion, setting the tone for the rest of the conference.

“The conversations we are having here will help shape future policy and regulation in ways that protect consumers while enabling innovation,” Prof van Eck noted.

Two concurrent paper streams were followed. Stream 1 addressed the intersection of digital technology, AI, and consumer protection, while Stream 2 examined banking law and financial stability, exploring topics like digital currencies, deposit insurance, Basel III standards, and bank resolution frameworks.

The day closed with a welcoming cocktail function, offering delegates the opportunity to continue discussions in an informal setting.

The second day shifted the focus to digital consumer dynamics and dispute resolution.

• Mr Hardin Ratshisusu (National Consumer Commission) opened with a keynote speech on evolving e-commerce trends and consumer behaviour.
• Ms Queen Munyai (Consumer Goods and Services Ombud) emphasised the vital role of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) under the Consumer Protection Act.

Engaging panel discussions and Q&A sessions followed, sparking lively debates on legal innovation and consumer justice.

“As commerce moves increasingly online, we must ensure that our legal systems evolve to safeguard consumers in this new environment”, Mr Ratshisusu said. “Forums like UPICLC are essential for driving that evolution.”

The final day looked to the future, focusing on how consumer law must adapt to technological disruptions and global changes.

• Prof Andrew Godwin explored financial wellbeing in the era of fintech and AI.
• Prof Jan Trzaskowski discussed responsible and sustainable AI use and its implications for human dignity in business strategy.
• Prof Sylvia Papadopoulos addressed the evolution of consumer law in the face of AI-driven pricing, consumer choice, and redress mechanisms.

“AI is reshaping the marketplace, and consumer law must evolve to meet that challenge,” Prof Papadopoulos noted. “We have a responsibility to ensure that technology serves consumers rather than undermines their rights.”

A session on food law, chaired by Prof Corlia van Heerden, examined regulatory challenges in food safety, the role of intellectual property in food security, and balancing safety with socio-economic realities in South African schools.

The final postgraduate workshop, running concurrently with paper presentations, offered practical sessions on “Publishing from Your Dissertation or Thesis” and “Postgraduate Research in Consumer Law.” It concluded with best practice formulation, feedback and strategic planning.

In closing remarks, Ms Dlamini (Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency) and Prof van Heerden celebrated the conference’s success, followed by a game drive and bush braai dinner that capped off three days of vibrant exchange.

“This conference demonstrated the power of collaboration in shaping legal responses to our most pressing consumer challenges,” Prof van Heerden said. “It is clear that the future of consumer law — in Africa and globally — will be defined by the conversations and research initiated in gatherings like this.”