By Kumba Leigh
The Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC), and the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA), last week hosted the African Competition Forum (ACF) Biennial Conference in The Gambia to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and collaborate in the development of effective competition policies, and best practices.
The ratification of the Competition Protocol of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) is believed to have ushered in a new era of cooperation amongst competition agencies operating in the free trade area.
The adoption of the protocol follows the signing of the AfCFTA agreement by 54 of the 55 members of the African Union, with the aim to create a single market for goods, and services in Africa, and with the goal of increasing trade within the continent, and boosting economic growth.
It is expected to cover a market of 1.2 billion people, and a combined GDP of 3 trillion US Dollars, giving that the agreement’s operational phase began July 7, 2019, and was recently approved by all member states.
The creation of a single market will enhance the availability for goods and services across the African continent and at the same time increase trade across the continent that has implications for market competitiveness, and competition regulation.
Such a forum is an opportunity for fellow professionals to learn from experts, and contribute to developing solutions to enhancing effective competition regulation in Africa.
Hon. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, who spoke at length on behalf of the Finance Minister, said The Gambia Government is one of the first countries in the ECOWAS region to establish an independent competition commission, noting that the GCCPC has become a model for many African countries in the region in setting up of competition regimes.
He said it is worth mentioning that competition promotion and enforcement are among the priorities of The Gambian Government, and that it is mainstreamed in government policies and programmes.
Ms. Yassin Senghore, Chairperson, The Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC), highlighted her office’s mandate, stating that the protection and creating the enabling environment for consumer competition is paramount.
She said over the years, the commission has made major strides in the area of competition as well as conducted nine market studies, eight investigations, and various advocacy programmes aimed at strengthening its enforcement efforts, and ensure implementation of effective policy document.
Dr. Simeone Koffi, Executive Director, ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority, discussed the challenges of the consumer competition across Africa; saying actions should be in tandem with the transformation of the various African economies, and the welfare of the population through which major employment of the agenda ‘63’ and their objectives should be treated with urgencies.
For her part, Ms. Doris Tshepe, Chairperson of the African Competition Forum (ACF), highlighted the significance of such a conference, saying such an event will ensure to enhance participants engage in critical discussion, and will foster collaboration, and seek participation on some of the pressing issues of consumer competition and protection.
The conference brought together stakeholders from the regional competition sector, regional economic communities, senior government officials, and the media.
