Benin: Economic Community of West African States implemented Supplementary Act A/SA.2/12/08 on the establishment, functions, and operation of the Regional Competition Authority for ECOWAS

On 31 May 2019, the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) launched its Regional Competition Authority (ERCA), in Banjul, The Gambia. On 19 December 2008, ECOWAS adopted the Supplementary Act A/SA.2/12/08 on the establishment, functions, and operation of the ERCA. This act outlined the creation of a regional body tasked with implementing and enforcing the ECOWAS Community Competition Rules. The ERCA is headed by an Executive Director and supported by directors and staff, with responsibilities including monitoring commercial activities, conducting investigations into anti-competitive practices, and issuing advisory opinions. The authority is empowered to eliminate anti-competitive agreements, address abuses of dominant market positions, and collaborate with national and regional competition agencies to ensure effective enforcement. The act also defines the ERCA's operational procedures, including its powers to summon witnesses, examine documents, and impose sanctions.