West Africa strengthens competition culture to boost digital economy

Banjul hosts CEDEAO workshop on digital market competition

The ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) and the EU-funded Support Programme for Competition and Consumer Product Safety in Sub-Saharan Africa (SPCPCSSA) have concluded a three-day workshop in Banjul aimed at strengthening competition culture across West Africa’s evolving digital markets. The event, held from June 15 to 17, brought together public and private sector stakeholders to address emerging challenges in cross-border trade and digital platform economies.

Building resilient, fair markets for West African consumers

At the opening session, ERCA Executive Director Dr. Simeon Koffi emphasized that rapid economic shifts—particularly in digital transformation—demand stronger collaboration between competition authorities, governments, media, regional bodies, and international partners. “An inclusive, coordinated strategy is essential to creating markets that are not only more resilient and equitable but also better integrated for the benefit of all West Africans,” he stated.

The workshop highlighted how new forms of anti-competitive behavior are emerging alongside the growth of digital platforms and regional trade. Participants stressed that no single institution can tackle these challenges alone, reinforcing the need for unified action across national, regional, and global levels.

Harmonizing regulations to support digital growth

Representing the SPCPCSSA, Ms. Mariana Tavares outlined the programme’s role in assisting regional and national institutions to develop and align competition and consumer protection frameworks. “Our goal is to help authorities implement coherent, effective policies that can adapt to rapidly changing markets,” she explained. The initiative supports Gambia’s efforts to modernize its regulatory environment while maintaining fair competition standards.

The Gambian government, represented by Deputy Permanent Secretary Mariama Fofana, reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a level playing field. “Fair competition drives innovation, boosts productivity, attracts investment, and fuels economic growth,” she noted. “Ensuring a conducive environment for equitable competition, consumer protection, and private sector development remains a national priority.”

A regional push for global best practices

Collaboration between ERCA, SPCPCSSA, and the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC) was highlighted as a significant step forward for the ECOWAS region. This partnership aims to enhance regulatory predictability, improve market attractiveness for investors, and ensure consumers reap the full benefits of regional economic integration.

The initiative also reflects West Africa’s commitment to aligning with international best practices in competition law and consumer rights, especially as digital transformation reshapes market dynamics. Participants concluded that sustained cooperation will be critical in building a competitive, consumer-focused digital economy across the subregion.