Project Overview and Progress... 7Up4 project National Training Workshop

Outline of Presentation Introduction to Project Major Project Activities Project Outputs (Milestones) Outcomes…till now Outcomes…for future Concluding remarks

Introduction to Project A FEW KEY POINTS Implemented by CUTS and partner organisation (………) since mid-2008 Assess challenges and opportunities for competition reforms in countries/region Develop capacity of ‘key’ national stakeholders on competition issues Evolve a national process for discussions on domestic competition reforms Develop linkages between national stakeholders and international processes on competition reforms

Major Project Activities Research and analysis on state of competition regime (policy, processes, actors, challenges, etc.) ‘Key’ actors in competition reforms identified, and capacity developed Discourse on benefits from competition reforms for consumers and economy, initiated Impediments to competition reforms in specific sectors identified, and recommendations shared Baseline information about awareness and understanding on competition issues developed

Project Outputs (Milestones) Research report on state of competition issues done Interest generated on competition policy and law issues, especially within civil society A catalogue of stakeholders with keen aptitude on competition issues created (NRG) Civil society’s role as an actor in the competition reforms process enhanced Platform/process for domestic competition reforms initiated through NRG Competition/Regulatory authorities’ understanding on competition enforcement improved

Outcomes…till now Proper synthesis of impediments for competition reforms….providing base for the way forward Environment for discussions among civil society- government-business on competition issues evolved Key actors (stakeholders) start pushing for competition reforms Emerging pointers for strengthening national competition regimes (legislation, institution and governance) Greater international visibility about challenges for competition reforms in West Africa created

Outcomes…for future Greater (broad-based) support for competition reforms from various constituencies (ROLE OF MEDIA) Understanding among policymakers of role of competition reforms in achieving developmental goals (SENSITISATION OF PARLIAMENTARIANS)

Concluding remarks Need to sustain the dialogue on competition reforms among key actors Package competition reforms as a means to an end (achieving national developmental goals) and not an end in itself Continue engaging with policymakers and bureaucrats…to move the agenda forward Maintain interest among key actors (especially civil society) on competition issues Greater involvement of international development community….desirable

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