West Africa boosts digital economy competition through CEDEAO-led Gambia workshop

Banjul, Gambia — In a strategic move to future-proof West Africa’s economic landscape, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Competition Authority (ECA) and the EU-funded Support Program for Competition and Consumer Product Safety in Sub-Saharan Africa (PACoSPro) converged in Gambia’s capital from June 15 to 17. The three-day national seminar focused on competition law and policy, equipping public and private sector stakeholders with tools to navigate the evolving challenges of digital transformation and cross-border trade.

Regional collaboration key to fair digital markets

At the opening session, Dr. Simeon Koffi, ECA’s Executive Director, highlighted how rapid digitalization is reshaping market dynamics across West Africa. He emphasized that anti-competitive practices emerging alongside digital platforms and e-commerce require a unified response from national competition authorities, government agencies, media, regional blocs, and international partners.

« The digital economy doesn’t recognize borders, and neither can our regulatory response, » stated Dr. Koffi. « By strengthening coordination, we’re not just protecting markets — we’re building resilience, fairness, and integration that directly benefit West African consumers and businesses. »

PACoSPro’s role in shaping equitable trade policies

Representing PACoSPro, Ms. Mariana Tavares outlined how the EU-backed initiative supports regional and national institutions in developing robust, harmonized competition and consumer protection frameworks. The program’s core mission is to help authorities implement policies that keep pace with market shifts driven by digital innovation and globalization.

« Regulatory fragmentation weakens our economic potential, » noted Ms. Tavares. « Through technical assistance and capacity building, we’re helping countries like Gambia align with international best practices while addressing local market realities. »

Gambia commits to consumer-friendly competition

Delivering remarks on behalf of Gambia’s Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, Ms. Mariama Fofana — Permanent Secretary Adjoint — reaffirmed the country’s dedication to fostering fair competition and safeguarding consumer rights. She positioned competition as a catalyst for innovation, investment attraction, and sustainable economic growth.

« For Gambia, a level playing field in commerce isn’t just a policy goal — it’s a national priority, » she said. « We’re committed to creating an ecosystem where businesses thrive, consumers are protected, and digital opportunities are accessible to all. »

Globalization and digital trade demand unified action

Participants underscored that the pressures of globalization and the digital economy extend beyond individual nations’ capacities. The seminar served as a platform for the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC) to collaborate with ECA and PACoSPro, reinforcing regulatory predictability and market attractiveness in West Africa.

This partnership signals the region’s proactive stance in adopting global standards for competition law and consumer rights, ensuring that digital transformation translates into tangible benefits for citizens and enterprises alike.