The Regional Competition Authority of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the EU-funded Programme to Support Competition and Consumer Product Safety in Sub-Saharan Africa (PacoSPro) have launched a major awareness campaign targeting public and private actors in Gambia. The initiative aims to prepare West Africa for the competitive challenges arising from digital transformation and the growth of regional trade.

Held in Banjul from 15 to 17 June, the national seminar on competition law and policy brought together officials from both institutions. Participants stressed the urgent need for coordinated action to address new anticompetitive practices linked to the rise of cross-border exchanges and digital platforms.

At the opening, Dr. Simeon Koffi, executive director of the ECOWAS competition authority, noted that ongoing economic shifts require stronger cooperation among competition authorities, government agencies, media, regional bodies, and international partners. He argued that only a collaborative and inclusive approach can build more resilient, fair, and integrated markets for the people of West Africa.

“We will continue to strengthen our cooperation with national competition authorities, the West African Economic and Monetary Union, other regional economic communities, the African Competition Forum, and our international partners,” Dr. Koffi declared.

Speaking on behalf of PacoSPro, Mariana Tavares reminded participants that this programme, financed by the European Union, supports regional and national institutions in developing and harmonising regulatory frameworks for competition and consumer protection. She said one of its main objectives is helping competent authorities design consistent and effective policies to oversee rapidly evolving markets.

On behalf of Gambia’s Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Deputy Permanent Secretary Mariama Fofana reaffirmed the country’s commitment to fair competition and stronger consumer protection. She emphasised that competition is a vital lever for stimulating innovation, boosting productivity, attracting investment, and fostering economic development.

“Creating an environment conducive to fair competition, consumer protection, and private sector development remains a national priority,” she stated.

Participants also highlighted that the challenges of globalised trade and the digital economy go beyond the capacity of any single institution, making convergence of efforts among national, regional, and international actors essential.

Organisers noted that the partnership between the ECOWAS competition authority, PacoSPro, and the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission marks a major step forward for the ECOWAS region. It aims to enhance the predictability of regulatory mechanisms, improve the attractiveness of West African markets to investors, and ensure that consumers reap the benefits of regional economic integration.

This collaboration also reflects the region’s determination to align with international best practices in competition law and consumer protection at a time when the digital economy is rapidly reshaping market rules.