ECOWAS Member States Unite in Praia, Advance Competition Policies for Fairer Markets.
By Raymond Enoch
The 10th meeting of the ECOWAS Consultative Committee on Competition (CCC) gathered in Praia, Republic of Cabo Verde, marking a significant step towards reinforcing the region’s competition and consumer protection framework.
The meeting brought together representatives from ECOWAS Member States and key stakeholders in attendance, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to promote fair market practices, transparency, and consumer welfare across West Africa.
Dr. Simeon K. Koffi, Executive Director of the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA),on behalf of the management opened the event by praising the Government of Cabo Verde for its efforts in establishing a regulatory authority to enforce competition laws. He underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between Member States to ensure the effective implementation of competition rules, particularly in critical sectors like transport, telecommunications, and digital markets.
The meeting also focused on validating strategic documents concerning mergers and acquisitions, market studies in the cement industry, and performance indicators for monitoring competition. ERCA’s ongoing work to refine and enforce these policies is seen as vital to creating an equitable regional business environment.
In a show of solidarity, the Government of Cabo Verde, represented by Mr. Alcindo Mota, Secretary of State for Finance, expressed commitment to continuing regional cooperation to foster a more transparent and competitive market. “Healthy competition is a fundamental pillar for sustainable economic development,” Mota stated, reinforcing the importance of ERCA’s work in ensuring market fairness.
Dr. Talim Abeon, Chairperson of the CCC, also highlighted the importance of the gathering, especially in light of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary. She emphasized that this meeting symbolized a collective commitment to fostering a competitive market that benefits all citizens in the region.
The ECOWAS Resident representative to Cabo Verde represented by Madam Kelly Lopes,
political adviser on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, His Excellency Dr.
Omar Alieu Touray welcomed participants to the 10th Meeting of the CCC.
The Chairperson finally thanked The Government of The Republic Cabo Verde and ECOWAS
Commission for all the facilities made available for the success of this important meeting in
Praia.
The meeting’s discussions were a pivotal moment in advancing the ECOWAS competition agenda, aligning policies that promote market efficiency, innovation, and consumer protection. This renewed commitment comes at a crucial time as regional integration efforts continue to evolve.
The conference which started 26th March 2025 ended on the 29th with participants agreeing on the importance of further collaboration to overcome regional challenges and ensure that the benefits of competition reach every corner of West Africa, fostering sustainable economic growth and improved living standards for all.
