Workshop on Competition Law & Policy Begins in Monrovia
A three-day National Information Awareness Seminar on Competition Law and Policy in West Africa, jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) has officially opened in Monrovia. The workshop, running from July 22-24, 2026 at the Kenedja Resort is being sponsored by the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority, West African Economic Monetary Union and the European Union. Speaking at the program, the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA), Dr. Juliette Twumasi Anokye, stressed the importance of promoting a competition culture that encourages innovation, protects consumers and creates confidence in regional markets. Dr. Anokye described competition policy as one of the most powerful instruments of economic transformation. Besides, she observed that effective competition policy improves productivity, encourages innovation, attracts investment, supports entrepreneurship and ensures that businesses compete on a level playing field. She equally pointed out that the idea contributes to efficient markets, sustainable economic growth and inclusive development.
The ERCA chairperson described competitive markets as indispensable to achieving the ambitions outlined in ECOWAS’ Vision 2050, meant to transform the regional bloc into “an ECOWAS of Peoples” built on prosperity, democratic governance, peace, and sustainable development. Madam Anokye was however quick to measure that effective competition regimes depend on far more than legislation. By this, she observed that they require informed institutions, capable regulators; independent judiciary and businesses that understand compliance as good corporate governance. “Regional integration cannot be achieved solely by removing customs barriers or promoting the free movement of people and goods,” she observed.
Launching the National Information Awareness Seminar on Competition Law and Policy in West Africa, Deputy Commerce & Industry Minister for Trade Services, Wilmot A. Reeves, said the occasion marked another milestone in the economic reform agenda of Liberia. Deputizing for Commerce & Industry Minister, Magdalene Dagoseh, he added that competition is ultimately about creating opportunities by ensuring businesses compete through innovation rather than monopolies, allowing small and medium-sized enterprises to thrive on a level playing field while guaranteeing access of consumers to quality products at fair prices. Deputy Minister Reeves indicated that Liberia’s diagnostic review, conducted jointly with ERCA identified significant legal and institutional weaknesses that have limited enforcement of the country’s 2016 Competition Law. He disclosed that as a result of the situation, government is now pursuing comprehensive reforms aimed at repealing and replacing the existing legislation, establishing an independent Competition and Consumer Protection Authority.
He added that part of the idea includes strengthening consumer rights, expanding institutional capacity, and promoting a nationwide culture of fair competition. Deputy Minister Reeves mentioned that such reform policies are in conformity with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ARREST Agenda by helping to build a diversified, competitive, private sector-led economy capable of creating jobs and improving livelihoods. He hailed the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority, (ERCA), European Union, and PACOSPro for their continued technical and financial support-adding that Liberia has moved beyond discussions about competition policy to actively establishing the legal and institutional systems necessary for effective implementation. Also speaking, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal Affairs, Jeddi Armah, disclosed that competition law is fundamental to Liberia’s efforts to achieve sustainable economic transformation under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
Cllr. Armah stressed the importance for Liberia to continue strengthening legal and institutional frameworks that stimulate investment, innovation, consumer welfare, and equal economic opportunities. Speaking on behalf of Foreign Minister Sara Beslow Nyanti, he said vibrant markets reward innovation, improve efficiency, expand consumer choices, and encourage businesses to offer higher-quality goods and services at competitive prices.
