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The ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA), in collaboration with the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and the European Union, through the Programme to Support Competition and Safety of Consumer Products (PACoSPro) in Sub-Saharan Africa – West Africa Component (UEMOA/ECOWAS), is organizing in Conakry, from 25 to 27 March 2026, a national information and awareness seminar on competition law and policy in West Africa.
This meeting aims to strengthen the dissemination and ownership of competition law and policy among stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as civil society, in the Republic of Guinea. It forms part of a regional dynamic aimed at promoting a more transparent, fairer and more investment-friendly economic environment conducive to sustainable development.
More specifically, the seminar seeks to enhance understanding of competition-related issues, promote better ownership of Community rules by public and private stakeholders, foster a genuine culture of competition, and improve knowledge of the relevant procedures and competent institutions in this field.
Speaking on the occasion, the Executive Director of ERCA, Dr Siméon Koffi, on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, His Excellency Dr Omar Alieu Touray, reaffirmed ERCA’s commitment to promoting a culture of competition in support of the economic development of the West African region. In this regard, he underscored the importance of the PACoSPro Programme, implemented in collaboration with UEMOA and with the support of the European Union. He stated that this programme constitutes an essential lever for improving the business environment, strengthening the competitiveness of regional economies, and promoting inclusive and sustainable growth within the ECOWAS region.
In her opening remarks, delivered on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Guinea, Ms Fatima Camara, Minister of Trade, Industry and SMEs, recalled Guinea’s ambition to contribute, at the regional level, to the emergence of a business-friendly environment based on the involvement of all stakeholders, notably the State, the private sector and civil society.
She also emphasized the importance of cooperation with ERCA in building markets that are more balanced, more efficient and more conducive to opportunities for economic operators and consumers. The Minister further reaffirmed Guinea’s commitment to supporting all national, regional and international stakeholders in consolidating a framework conducive to the observance of sound competitive practices.
Through this initiative, ERCA, UEMOA and their partners reaffirm their shared determination to support Member States in the effective implementation of competition rules for the benefit of more open markets, more competitive economies and stronger regional integration.
This three-day seminar will therefore help lay the foundations for a better understanding and more effective application of competition law in Guinea, while contributing to the deepening of economic governance in West Africa.
