Fostering fair competition in West Africa’s digital economy

Banjul, June 2026 — The West African regional competition authority and a European-backed initiative have launched a sweeping awareness campaign in Gambia to equip public and private stakeholders with the tools needed to navigate the evolving landscape of digital trade and cross-border commerce.

A three-day national seminar on competition law and policy, held in the Gambian capital from June 15 to 17, brought together officials from both organizations to highlight the urgent need for coordinated action against emerging anti-competitive practices tied to digital platforms and intensified regional trade flows.

The push for unified competition governance

At the opening session, the Executive Director of the Competition Authority of the Economic Community of West African States (ARCC), Dr. Simeon Koffi, emphasized that rapid economic shifts demand stronger collaboration among competition regulators, government agencies, media outlets, regional bodies, and global partners. Without such teamwork, he warned, markets risk fragmentation, leaving West African consumers and businesses vulnerable to exploitation.

« Our goal is to build a resilient, equitable, and deeply integrated market ecosystem that benefits every citizen across the region, » Dr. Koffi stated. « We are committed to deepening ties with national competition authorities, the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), other regional economic communities, the African Competition Forum, and international development partners. »

The seminar also featured remarks from Mariana Tavares, representing the Programme for Competition Support and Consumer Product Safety in Sub-Saharan Africa (PACoSPro), a European Union-funded initiative. She outlined how the program supports regional and national institutions in crafting and aligning regulatory frameworks to keep pace with market transformations driven by digital innovation and cross-border trade.

« Our mission is to empower competition authorities with the legal and operational tools required to enforce fair market practices, protect consumers, and foster an environment where businesses can thrive without distortion, » Tavares explained.

Gambia’s commitment to fair markets

Speaking on behalf of Gambia’s Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, Deputy Permanent Secretary Mariama Fofana underscored the country’s dedication to fostering a level playing field. She framed fair competition as a catalyst for innovation, productivity gains, investment attraction, and long-term economic growth.

« Ensuring transparent competition, robust consumer protections, and a thriving private sector remains a cornerstone of our national agenda, » Fofana asserted. « By aligning our policies with regional standards, we can unlock new opportunities for Gambian businesses and consumers alike. »

Converging efforts for a digital future

Participants stressed that the challenges posed by globalization and the digital economy transcend the reach of any single institution. Only through synchronized efforts—spanning national regulators, regional blocs, and international allies—can West Africa create a predictable, investor-friendly regulatory environment that delivers tangible benefits to its people.

The partnership between the ARCC, PACoSPro, and Gambia’s Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC) marks a significant milestone for the ECOWAS region. Its primary aims include strengthening regulatory predictability, enhancing the region’s appeal to foreign investors, and ensuring that consumers fully benefit from economic integration.

This collaboration also reflects West Africa’s broader ambition to adopt international best practices in competition law and consumer safeguards—vital steps as digital platforms reshape market dynamics at an unprecedented pace.