ERCA HOLDS CONSULTATIVE MEETING WITH NATIONAL STAKEHOLDERS AHEAD OF ITS INAUGURAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA), under the chairmanship of its Executive Director, Mr Simeon Koffi, held today a Consultative Meeting with key national stakeholders of the Republic of The Gambia at its Headquarters in Bijilo. The meeting brought together senior representatives from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Gambia Police Force, Immigration , Red Cross Gambia, Gambia Chamber or Commerce and Industry

The purpose of the meeting was to review and align the logistical, protocol, hospitality and communication arrangements required for the successful hosting of the Inaugural Annual Conference of ERCA, scheduled to take place at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre (SDKJ-ICC) in Banjul from 15 to 17 September 2026.

In his opening remarks, the Executive Director of ERCA warmly welcomed the participants and underlined the strategic importance of the Conference, which will gather policymakers, competition authorities, regulatory agencies, regional and international organisations, development partners, academic experts, consumer representatives and members of the business community from across West Africa and beyond. He reiterated that the success of the Conference would further consolidate the position of The Gambia as the host country of the ERCA Headquarters and as a privileged regional hub for major economic events.

During the discussions, each institution presented the concrete support it will extend to the Conference

The Conference will focus on the development of a competitive and integrated regional market, cooperation among competition authorities, the challenges of the digital economy and emerging markets, the nexus between competition policy, trade and investment, and the prospects for international cooperation in competition matters.

ERCA and the participating institutions agreed to designate focal points to ensure close follow-up of the commitments taken and to convene further coordination meetings as the Conference approaches.