Ecowas – Waemu dichotomy

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) are the two major Sub-regional organisations in West Africa. The WAEMU countries are bound together by a common colonial history, thus, relate more with France than the rest of West Africa. Efforts to strengthen ties between the two organisations have not yielded the desired results. Yet, previous studies glossed over this, as if it were not a serious setback for regional trade integration in West Africa. This study examines the challenges which inadequate trade relations between ECOWAS and WAEMU have posed to regional integration in the region. The study employs a qualitative-descriptive method, and neo-functionalist theory was employed. The findings of the study illustrated that both institutions often undermine each other, as they view themselves as rivals. Greater trade collaboration between ECOWAS and WAEMU is essential for the successful implementation of the regional integration agenda

Economic integration · Free trade · Regional Integration · Regional Policy · Regional trade · Shift-share analysis · Global Political and Social Dynamics · Indigenous Studies in Latin America · International Relations in Latin America

• Ecowas at 50

  Ernest Toochi Aniche, Victor Chidubem Iwuoha•Politikon•2026

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