ERCA PARTICIPATES IN ECOWAS CONSULTATIVE WORKSHOP ON AIR TRANSPORT COMPETITION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION

Published On - Março 12, 2026

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ERCA Director Dr Simeon Koffi with the Chair of the Meeting Chris Appiah,Director of Transport ECOWAS Commission

The ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) participated in the ECOWAS Consultative Workshop on Air Transport Competition, Consumer Protection, and Dispute Settlement Mechanisms in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from March 4-6, 2026.

The workshop aimed to harmonize legal frameworks, strengthen institutional capacities, and promote a coherent regional approach to consumer protection in the air transport sector.

In his opening remarks Mr. Sinaly Sinaly Silué Chairman of the Board of Directors of ASECNA reaffirmed commitment to regional integration and emphasized harmonized implementation of the Yamoussoukro

Mr. Chris Appiah, Director of Transport at the ECOWAS Commission highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the abolition of air transport taxes, establishment of a regional MRO center, and creation of a regional pool of safety experts

Hon. Mamadou Sako Mamadou, co-chairman of ECOWAS Parliament: “stressed the need to bridge the gap between Community law and national realities, urging concrete recommendations to align Member States’ mechanisms with Annexes 3, 5, and 6 of the Yamoussoukro Decision

During the meeting, ERCA’s Director, Dr. Koffi Simeon, emphasized that ERCA’s mandate includes supporting ECOWAS in harmonizing legal frameworks, strengthening institutional capacities, and promoting a coherent regional approach to consumer protection across various sectors, including air transport. Director Koffi also provided a detailed enlightenment on the Authority’s pivotal role in consumer protection within the air transport sector, particularly under the provisions of Regulation C/REG…/06/26 on cross-border consumer protection within ECOWAS. He explained that ERCA’s mandate is to ensure passengers across Member States enjoy consistent and enforceable rights, harmonizing standards and providing remedies for consumers affected by denied boarding, cancellations, or long delays. He stressed that ERCA’s role is not limited to competition oversight but extends to ensuring adherence to consumer protection and competition rules thereby reinforcing confidence in the regional air transport market.