The Gambian Parliament, on Tuesday, 15th September 2026, committed the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Bill 2026 to the Assembly Business Committee (ABC) for referral to the relevant committee or committees of the National Assembly.
The bill was tabled by Trade Minister Mod K. Ceesay, and among its objectives is the prohibition of anti-competitive practices.
“This bill establishes a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the promotion of fair competition and the protection of consumers in The Gambia,” he said while tabling the bill.
He explained that the bill consolidates and strengthens existing competition and consumer protection regimes by repealing and replacing the Competition Act 2007 and the Consumer Protection Act 2014.
Minister Ceesay further stated that the bill establishes the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission as an independent body responsible for administering and enforcing competition and consumer protection law. It also provides for governance functions, staffing, and financial arrangements of the commission.
According to him, the bill “seeks to prohibit anti-competitive practices including restrictive agreements, abuse of a dominant position, and abuse of economic dependence.” It also introduces a framework for the notification, review, and regulation of mergers that may substantially lessen competition or adversely affect the public interest.
He added that the bill provides for the “protection of consumer rights in relation to the safety and quality of goods and services,” and seeks to prevent “false or misleading representations, unfair contractual terms, distance selling, defective goods and services, and issues relating to digital content and products.”
Moreover, the bill “empowers the commission to investigate suspected contraventions, conduct hearings and market inquiries, impose appropriate penalties, and issue orders.” It also provides for appeals to the High Court and permits persons who suffer loss or damage from prohibited conduct to seek compensation.
When passed, the bill will promote cooperation between the commission and sector regulators, consumer advocacy groups, regional institutions, and foreign competition and consumer protection authorities.
“The bill seeks to modernize and harmonize the laws governing competition and consumer protection, address emerging market practices and digital transactions, strengthen enforcement, protect consumers from unfair commercial conduct, and promote competitive markets, economic growth, and sustainable development,” said Minister Ceesay.
Seconding the bill, the Member for Jarra Central, Hon. Kebba Jallow, noted that the bill also seeks to modernize and harmonize laws governing competition and consumer protection while addressing emerging market practices and digital transactions.
He emphasized that it will strengthen enforcement of consumer protection laws, protect consumers against “unfair commercial conduct,” and promote competitive markets, economic growth, and sustainable development in The Gambia.
Hon. Jallow, who also chairs the Select Committee on Trade, highlighted that the bill is explicit, clearly spelling out its objectives by bringing competition and consumer laws together under one framework. He moved a motion for the legislature to adjourn the debate on the bill and refer it to the committee for consultations and preparation of a report to be tabled before the plenary for further debate.
The motion was seconded by the Member for Serrekunda, Hon. Musa Cham.
Consequently, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Bill 2026 was referred to the Assembly Business Committee (ABC) for committal to the relevant committee or committees of the National Assembly.
The first reading of the bill was done on Monday, 7th September 2026. September 15th was appointed for the second reading in accordance with Standing Order 66, during which the Minister moved a motion for the second reading of the bill entitled Competition and Consumer Protection Bill 2026.
