Economic Community of West African States

This chapter presents the history and structure of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The ECOWAS was established in 1975 by a treaty signed in Lagos, marking a breakthrough in West African integration. The preamble and Article 2 of the Treaty contain the cardinal aims of the Community that include fostering subregional economic integration by means of effective economic cooperation and of a concerted policy of self-reliance in all fields of economic activity. A customs union among the member states is to be progressively established within 15 years. A common tariff in regard to all goods imported into the member states from third countries is to be established. The status of Community citizen is to be granted to all nationals of the member states. Harmonization of industrial development plans and of agricultural, energy, and infrastructural policies as well as cooperation in monetary and financial matters are foreseen.