By Assan Bah
The ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) began its ninth Statutory Consultative Competition Committee (CCC) meeting on Tuesday, a four-day event that focused on reviewing council reports, the new 2024-2028 strategic plan, and the status of the CCC. This gathering brings together competition experts from ECOWAS member states to strengthen regional market regulations, enhance consumer protection, and drive fair competition across the region.
According to ERCA, the CCC plays a vital role in reinforcing ERCA’s mandate by identifying, drafting, and implementing regional competition regulations, focusing on essential economic sectors in the region. The committee also reviews operational instruments, studies, and the legal framework of ERCA to ensure compliance with its mandates across ECOWAS states.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Simon Koffi, Executive Director of ERCA, highlighted the meeting as a “decisive step” in fortifying national competition frameworks.
“With the recent inauguration of the ERCA council, we have established a dedicated authority for competition regulation and consumer rights protection in the region,” Dr. Koffi said, noting that ERCA has successfully completed its initial five-year strategic plan (2019-2023). He added, “These accomplishments represent the first step toward a competitive environment in the sub-region.”
The new 2024-2028 strategic plan, he explained, aims to consolidate previous achievements while enforcing ECOWAS competition rules. Dr. Koffi stressed the importance of collaboration with National Competition Authorities, remarking, “This meeting will enable us to discuss actions for the coming years within a more robust and dynamic framework with key stakeholders.” He encouraged member states to adopt and implement the regional frameworks, underscoring the urgency of ERCA’s mission in light of recent economic challenges.
Dr. Abe Talime, Chairperson of the CCC, urged the committee to carefully assess all findings and recommendations, emphasizing the need for active monitoring across ERCA member states. “The ECOWAS’s recent decision to inaugurate the 10-member committee strengthens our mission to address all necessary regulations and make impactful recommendations,” he stated. He also noted a recent decision by the committee to enhance consumer rights protection across the region.
Representing the Minister of Trade, Regional Integration, and Employment, Mr. Abdoulie Jammeh underscored the significance of the meeting. “This synergy comes at a crucial time as we enhance regional cooperation mechanisms for a fair and competitive market,” he said. Stressing the importance of consumer protection, Mr. Jammeh added, “Increasing complexities in regional and global markets demand we adapt policies that promote fairness and ensure a level playing field for all businesses.”
He called for prioritizing the establishment of competitive standards, “We must improve our institutional and legislative frameworks, including data collection and management systems, for effective market regulation,” he emphasized. This, he noted, requires “unwavering commitment, transparency, accountability, and fairness in all our actions.”
Mr. Jammeh highlighted ECOWAS’s progress in enhancing market integration and regulatory frameworks, though he acknowledged the ongoing challenges. “While we have made strides, there remains much to be done as new market challenges emerge. It is essential to continually refine and harmonize our competition policies to safeguard the interests of businesses and consumers alike,” he concluded.
The CCC meeting will continue over the coming days, with delegates from across ECOWAS working to lay the groundwork for a more integrated, competitive, and consumer-friendly regional market.
