By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Madam Yassin Senghore, Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners of the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC), announced that the forthcoming Competition and Consumer Protection Bill 2025 will introduce stringent penalties for anti-competitive practices and violations of consumer rights. The bill aims to foster fair, competitive, and inclusive markets, marking a significant step toward strengthening economic governance in The Gambia.
Speaking at a one-day validation exercise held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Conference Center, Senghore emphasized the bill’s role in addressing long-standing gaps in the Competition Act 2007 and the Consumer Protection Act 2014. “This occasion marks a historical moment in our continued commitment to promoting fair, competitive, and inclusive markets for all actors,” she stated, highlighting that the new legislation will merge the enforcement regimes of both acts into a unified framework to enhance regulatory compliance.
The proposed bill addresses critical loopholes in existing laws, including the absence of provisions for addressing prevalent anti-competitive practices, such as abuse of dominance, and the GCCPC’s inability to initiate investigations without consumer complaints. “These shortcomings have hindered the Commission’s ability to execute its mandate effectively,” Senghore noted. To address this, the GCCPC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, secured support from the Commonwealth Secretariat to review and amend the legislation.
The 2025 bill will empower the GCCPC to investigate dominant firms suspected of anti-competitive behavior proactively, monitor market practices, and address issues such as misleading advertisements, unsafe products, price gouging, and unfair contractual terms. “It is not only about punishing success but ensuring that success is not built on exclusionary practices,” Senghore said, underscoring the bill’s focus on fostering sustainable economic growth and protecting consumer welfare.
The legislation will also introduce administrative fines and sanctions to deter violations, creating a balanced market environment, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises. “The shift from reactive to proactive enforcement is what will truly define a modern consumer protection regime,” Senghore added, emphasizing the GCCPC’s role as a watchdog for both competition and consumer rights.
Basirou Njie, Executive Secretary of the GCCPC, echoed Senghore’s sentiments, describing the reforms as “long overdue.” He highlighted the challenges posed by outdated legal provisions, which have limited the Commission’s ability to act decisively. “For years, we have listened to complaints from consumers, market vendors, youth entrepreneurs, and business owners who rely on us to protect their rights,” Njie said. He stressed that the bill, developed through extensive consultation and stakeholder engagement, aims to ensure access to quality products, competitive pricing, and fair markets for all Gambians.
The validation event drew a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the Commonwealth Secretariat, the European Union, members of the National Assembly, government officials, civil society organizations, the media, consumers, and the business community. Sering Modou Njie, Minister of Defense, officially opened the session, underscoring the government’s commitment to the initiative.
If passed into law, the Competition and Consumer Protection Bill 2025 is expected to create a robust regulatory framework that promotes fairness, deters anti-competitive practices, and enhances consumer protections. “This bill is about impact,” Njie concluded. “It’s about building a future where the rules are clear, markets are competitive, and every Gambian has access to free and fair redressal mechanisms.”
The GCCPC’s efforts signal a transformative step toward a more equitable economic landscape, with the bill poised to empower the Commission to act swiftly and decisively in safeguarding consumer rights and fostering a competitive market environment in The Gambia.
