MONROVIA – The ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) has concluded a three-day National Information and Awareness Seminar on Competition Law and Policy in West Africa with renewed optimism that Liberia is moving closer to enacting its long-awaited Competition Bill and establishing an independent competition authority.
The seminar, held from July 22 to 24, 2026, at the RLJ Kendeja Resort in Monrovia, brought together senior government officials, regulators, development partners, private sector representatives, consumer organizations, civil society actors, and members of the media to discuss the importance of competition law in promoting investment, protecting consumers, encouraging innovation, and strengthening regional economic integration.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Dr. Juliette Twumasi Anokye, Chairperson of the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority, expressed confidence that Liberia is on the verge of adopting its first national competition law.
“I am very delighted to be going back with the firm understanding and the assurance that your Competition Bill will become law very soon, since the Law Reform Commission has stood here publicly and has given its support to the bill,” Dr. Anokye said.
She praised Liberia’s progress in developing the legislation and encouraged the country to maintain the momentum toward establishing an independent competition commission.
“You are 179 years old, but this proves that you’re never too old to adopt a competition law,” she remarked, expressing hope that by next year’s Independence Day celebrations Liberia would have enacted the law and inaugurated its competition authority.
Dr. Anokye also thanked participants, ECOWAS officials, and Liberian stakeholders for their active engagement throughout the three-day seminar, describing the experience as productive and encouraging.
Representing the Government of Liberia, Jesse Z. Mathies, Director of the Division of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing the draft legislation.
Speaking on behalf of Commerce and Industry Minister Magdalene Ellen Dagose and Deputy Minister Wilma Reeves, Mathies thanked ERCA for its continued technical support in helping Liberia reach the bill’s validation stage.
He said the government remains committed to working with the Law Reform Commission and other stakeholders to refine the draft legislation before it is submitted to the National Legislature.
Mathies urged participants to continue providing recommendations and technical comments to ensure the proposed law reflects both regional standards and the interests of Liberian consumers.
“We continue to count on your assistance and your support,” he said, while thanking the European Union, PACOSPro, and other development partners for supporting Liberia’s competition law reform process.
He also praised ERCA resource person Professor Samate for what he described as an exceptional capacity-building effort during the seminar, saying participants had benefited immensely from his expertise.
Also delivering remarks, James S. Smith, Vice President of the Liberia Business Association (LIBA), commended the organizers and facilitators for what he described as an informative and impactful training.
Smith said the seminar had provided valuable knowledge that would strengthen Liberia’s business community and encouraged ECOWAS to continue supporting similar initiatives aimed at improving the country’s private sector.
“I feel today is the beginning of a good starting point,” Smith said. “I want to encourage ECOWAS to continue with such support that will improve Liberia’s business sector.”
Throughout the seminar, participants examined how effective competition laws can promote fair markets, prevent anti-competitive practices, attract investment, encourage innovation, and protect consumers across West Africa.
Organizers emphasized that a modern competition law would help create a more transparent and competitive business environment while aligning Liberia with regional ECOWAS standards.
The event was organized by the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) with support from the European Union through the Competition and Consumer Protection Support Programme (PACOSPro).
The seminar concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to supporting the completion of Liberia’s Competition Bill, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the legislation will soon be enacted and pave the way for the establishment of an independent competition authority to strengthen consumer protection, promote fair competition, and improve the country’s investment climate.
