CLOSING OF ECOWAS REGIONAL COMPETITION AUTHORITY, ERCA’S INAUGURAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE

CLOSING OF ECOWAS REGIONAL COMPETITION AUTHORITY, ERCA’S INAUGURAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The first Annual Conference of the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) closed on Thursday, 17 September 2026, at Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, Bijilo,The Gambia. Close to 300 participants from twelve Member States, national competition authorities, sector regulators, policymakers, businesses, academics, judges and international partners took part in three days of proceedings. The official closing ceremony featured three interventions including the Conference Declaration, by the Executive Director of ERCA, Dr Simeon Koffi.

In his Closing address, on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission President, Mr. Dehpue Zuo, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, stated that “Competition is an integral part of regional economic integration. An integrated market must be one in which businesses can compete fairly, investors can operate with confidence, and consumers can benefit from choice and innovation.”

In his Closing remarks, Mr. Mod K. Ceesay, Hon. Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment of the Republic of The Gambia, stressed that market integration and competition policy must advance together, and declared the Conference officially closed on 17 September 2026.