The Gambia advances competition and consumer protection bill

The Gambian Parliament has committed the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Bill 2026 to the Assembly Business Committee for further review. Tabled by Trade Minister Mod K. Ceesay, the bill aims to establish a comprehensive legal and institutional framework to promote fair competition and protect consumers.

The legislation seeks to replace the Competition Act 2007 and the Consumer Protection Act 2014. It proposes the creation of the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission as an independent body tasked with enforcing competition laws, investigating contraventions, and imposing penalties.

Key provisions of the bill include the prohibition of anti-competitive practices such as restrictive agreements and the abuse of dominant positions. It also introduces a framework for regulating mergers that could impact public interest or lessen competition, while strengthening consumer rights regarding product safety, quality, and protection against misleading representations.