West African states have joined forces to enhance competition and improve market efficiency, In a move to strengthen regional integration and economic growth. The unprecedented collaboration aims to break down trade barriers, streamline regulations, and foster a more dynamic business environment across the subregion.
By working together, member states hope to unlock new economic opportunities and ensure sustainable development, benefiting millions of citizens and local businesses alike.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Consultative Competition Committee (CCC) recently convened its 10th statutory meeting in Praia, Republic of Cabo Verde.
Held from March 26 to 29, 2025, the event brought together key stakeholders from ECOWAS Member States to discuss strategic documents aimed at enhancing competition and consumer protection regulations.
According to a statement by the commission, the meeting, hosted by the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA), saw the participation of CCC members, ERCA staff, and representatives from Member States.
They deliberated on a range of strategic issues, including the Cooperation Agreement on Competition and Consumer Protection Rules within ECOWAS, enabling rules for sharing Merger and Acquisition filing fees, guidelines on Merger and Acquisition, a concept note on a market study in the cement industry, and performance indicators for monitoring competition.
Simeon Koffi, Executive Director of ERCA, addressed the gathering on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission, expressing gratitude to the Government of Cabo Verde for its unwavering support and commitment to establishing a robust competition law enforcement framework.
Koffi emphasized that the 10th statutory meeting marked a critical turning point in regional integration efforts, coinciding with ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary.
“This meeting symbolizes a renewed collective commitment to fostering competition in our region,” Koffi stated.
He also acknowledged the invaluable cooperation of Member States, state actors, competition authorities, businesses, civil society, and other stakeholders who play pivotal roles in achieving market efficiency and consumer welfare.
Reinforcing market fairness and economic development, Talim Abe, Chairperson of the CCC, commended participants for their dedication and thanked the Cabo Verde government and ECOWAS Commission for providing the necessary support to ensure the meeting’s success.
He reiterated the significance of collaboration among Member States to build resilient and transparent competition frameworks. The ECOWAS resident representative to Cabo Verde, Madam Kelly Lopes, speaking on behalf of ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, highlighted the strategic importance of the meeting.
She stressed that fair competition practices are essential in addressing challenges within key sectors such as industry, transport, telecommunications, and digital markets. Lopes urged delegates to develop actionable proposals that strengthen community market competitiveness and safeguard consumer interests.
Mr. Alcindo Mota, Secretary of State for Finance of Cabo Verde, who represented the Minister of Finance, reaffirmed Cabo Verde’s commitment to advancing regional cooperation.
He noted that promoting healthy competition is essential not only for West Africa but for the entire continent, as it stimulates innovation, enhances efficiency, and ensures that the benefits of economic growth are widely shared.
The statement noted that delegates recognised the importance of establishing transparent, equitable business environments that promote sustainable economic development.
“As ERCA continues to spearhead efforts to harmonize competition laws within the ECOWAS region, member states remain committed to fostering an economic landscape where healthy competition thrives and consumer welfare is prioritized”, it noted.
