Sierra Leone Joins ECOWAS Push for Fair Competition and Regional Trade

Sierra Leone has joined other ECOWAS member states in efforts to promote fair competition, strengthen regional trade and advance market integration across West Africa.

The country participated in a three-day regional conference held in Banjul, The Gambia, from September 15 to 17, bringing together policymakers, regulators, business representatives and other stakeholders to discuss competition and economic integration.

The conference was organised by the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) and focused on strengthening cooperation among member states and improving the enforcement of competition policies across the region.

Discussions examined challenges affecting cross-border trade, including practices that could limit fair competition within the ECOWAS Common Market.

Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Finance II, Isata Marah, represented the country at the conference, where she engaged with regional policymakers and stakeholders on issues relating to competition and market integration.

Marah was invited to the conference by ERCA Executive Director Dr. Simeon Konan Koffi, who led the organisation of the first edition of the annual event.

During the conference, Marah also exchanged views with the newly appointed ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Dehpue Yenpea Zuo.

Zuo, who previously worked in Liberia’s economic management sector, spoke about Liberia’s domestic revenue performance, saying the country had recorded more than US$1 billion in revenue for the first time.

Sierra Leone’s delegation also included Alhaji Abu Komeh, Acting Director of the Research and Delivery Division, who participated in technical discussions on regional policy coordination.

The conference concluded on September 17 with calls for ECOWAS member states to strengthen cooperation in promoting fair competition, regional trade and economic integration.

Sierra Leone’s participation forms part of ongoing regional efforts to strengthen cooperation among ECOWAS countries and support a more integrated and competitive West African market.