This significant research, undertaken by the GCCPC and backed by the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA), casts a spotlight on the challenges and opportunities present in The Gambia’s burgeoning digital economy, with particular emphasis on e-commerce and digital financial platforms.
The validated report seeks to enhance the understanding of the digital market by pinpointing crucial competition and consumer protection challenges at both local and regional levels. Furthermore, it underscores the laws, policies, and regulations that impede fair competition and undermine consumer welfare within these sectors.
Yassin Senghore, the Board Chairperson of the GCCPC expressed her gratitude to the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) for launching this significant cross-country study, which involved the participation of nine ECOWAS member states. Additionally, she extended her appreciation to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, whose guidance and financial backing were instrumental in the success of this initiative.
“The digital economy in The Gambia is still in its early stages but it is expanding rapidly. This transformation is redefining how consumers access goods and services, presenting both opportunities and regulatory challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift from traditional brick-and-mortar businesses to digital platforms, making it crucial for regulators to adapt and effectively oversee this evolving marketplace.”
Jerreh Sanyang, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, underscored the crucial role of the digital marketplace in enhancing both local and international trade by facilitating transactions, reducing costs, and optimising logistics. He highlighted significant challenges identified in the research, such as limitations on cross-border remittances within ECOWAS, vertical integration issues, interoperability gaps, data security concerns, low levels of digital literacy, and inadequate infrastructure.
“These findings reveal a variety of challenges while also providing critical insights on enhancing the digital market value chain collaboratively,” Sanyang stated. He emphasised that the Ministry, in collaboration with the GCCPC and backed by the Commonwealth, is enlisting a consultant to revise the Competition and Consumer Protection Acts, ensuring they effectively address the evolving dynamics of the digital market.
Basirou Njie, the Executive Secretary of the GCCPC praised the validation process as a crucial forum for open dialogue, allowing stakeholders to hone their strategies for addressing challenges within the digital market. “This collaborative initiative will foster equitable practices, enhance consumer protections, and cultivate a flourishing digital economy that serves the interests of all Gambians,” he postulated.
Representing the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority, Ebrima Tambajang, stated that the study's overarching aim is to cultivate a competitive and consumer-centric digital market that propels economic growth and regional integration throughout West Africa. “This validation session is a crucial milestone in our collaborative endeavor to advance fair competition and economic development within the ECOWAS region.”
