The ECOWAS Consultative Committee on Competition (CCC) convened its ninth meeting in Banjul, The Gambia, from November 12 to 15, 2024. The meeting aimed to discuss the draft strategic plan of ERCA for 2024-2028, review findings from a digital market study conducted in member states, and consider draft cooperation agreements.
Members of the CCC and staff of ERCA participated in discussions on strengthening cooperation agreements with member states and national competition authorities. Dr. Simeon K. Koffi, Executive Director of ERCA, extended gratitude on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission President, His Excellency Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, and Mrs. Massandje Toure-Litse, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture. He expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment for their support towards regional integration.
Dr. Koffi highlighted the significance of this meeting following the recent inauguration of members of the ERCA Council. This step completes the establishment of organs responsible for competition regulation and consumer protection within ERCA. He commended efforts made by CCC members in implementing ERCA’s Five-year strategic plan (2019-2023) and urged continued collaboration to enforce competition rules effectively.
Dr. Talime Abe, Chairperson of The CCC, welcomed attendees to the session and acknowledged ERCA’s organization efforts along with contributions from The Gambia’s Minister of Trade and experts from member states. He emphasized the CCC’s role in reviewing draft policies related to competition and consumer protection.
Mr. Abdoulie Bojang, Deputy Permanent Secretary representing The Gambia’s Minister of Industry Trade Industry, welcomed CCC members to Banjul and reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation mechanisms for market regulation and consumer protection.
The meeting underscored adapting policy frameworks amidst complex market dynamics to ensure fair competition and consumer protection across the ECOWAS region.
