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The ECOWAS Consultative Committee on Competition (CCC) held its 10th meeting to discuss the draft strategic documents in relation to Cooperation Agreement on Competition and Consumer protection rules within ECOWAS, Enabling rules on sharing of Merger and Acquisition filing fees, Market study and performance indicators for monitoring competition from the 26th to 29th March 2025, in Praia, Republic of Cabo Verde.
The meeting brought together Members of the CCC and staff of ERCA to discuss and validate the draft strategic documents relating to the Cooperation Agreement with Member States on the implementation of competition and consumer protection rules within ECOWAS, the enabling rules on sharing of Merger and Acquisition filing fees, the guidelines on Merger and Acquisition, concept note on the market study in cement industry and performance indicators for monitoring competition, Preparation and reporting on financial grant to Member States.
The Executive Director of ERCA, Dr. Simeon K. Koffi, on behalf of the management of the ECOWAS Commission extended warm and fraternal greetings to Members for their presence and participation at the 10th Statutory meeting of the CCC.
He expressed thanks and appreciation to the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Cabo Verde, represented by Mr. Alcindo Mota, Secretary of state for Finance for preceding over the opening ceremony and to the Government of Cabo Verde for the efforts made in establishing a regulatory framework and an authority in charge of competition law enforcement, which are among the most viable in our region.
The Executive Director pointed out that the 10th statutory meeting the CCC marks an important turning point in the collective action of Member States for the promotion of competition in our region as it comes in the wake of ECOWAS celebrating its 50th anniversary when the Commission had registered an added milestone on regional integration drive by the establishment and operationalization of ERCA.
He commended the cooperation of the member states, including stakeholders like state actors, ministries, authorities in charge of competition, businesses and their associations and civil society, the contribution of all of whom is crucial to achieving the key objectives of competition authorities which is market efficiency and consumer welfare.
The Chairperson of CCC Dr. Talime Abe on the other hand, extended warm greetings to participants on the occasion of the 10th meeting of the CCC of the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) in the hospitable city of Praia, Cabo Verde.
He thanked the Secretary of State for Finance for presiding over this opening ceremony despite his very busy schedule. He also thanked ERCA for organising this 10th meeting of the CCC, the first session of the year 2025 and the Member States for honouring the invitation with their presence and for their willingness to take part in the work of this session.
The Chairperson finally thanked The Government of The Republic Cabo Verde and ECOWAS Commission for all the facilities made available for the success of this important meeting in Praia.
The ECOWAS resident representative to Cabo Verde represented by Madam Kelly Lopes, political adviser on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, His Excellency Dr. Omar Alieu Touray welcomed participants to the 10th Meeting of the CCC.
She reiterated the purpose and basic principles of competition law and its many benefits to the Community Market. She further pointed out that this meeting is of particular importance in the current context, marred by challenges posed by key strategic sectors such as industry, transport, telecommunications together with digital markets and anti-competitive practices, all of which call for reinforced co-operation and synergy of action at higher levels.
She implored delegates to make proposals that contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of Community markets ensuring the effective application of Community regulations, with a view to protecting consumer interests, as well as creating a more transparent and equitable regional business environment favourable to sustainable economic development.
The Secretary of State for Finance, Mr. Alcindo Mota, representing the Minister of Finance of Cabo Verde, welcomed the members of the CCC to Praia and expressed the commitment of the Government of Cabo Verde to continue to strengthen regional cooperation.
He pointed out that this meeting symbolizes our collective commitment to strengthen regional cooperation and to promote fair and equitable competition practices throughout west Africa and the central role that ERCA plays in this cooperation, strengthening the performance of national authorities and increasing effectiveness of national competition laws.
The Secretary of State declared the meeting open by re-echoing the importance of healthy competition which is a fundamental pillar for sustainable economic development not only in the countries of our region but at continental level as it stimulates innovation, improves efficiency and ensures that the benefits of growth are distributed among our citizens.