What is ECOWAS region?

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional political and economic union of countries located in West Africa. ECOWAS was established on May 28, 1975, via the Treaty of Lagos. It’s mission is to promote economic integration and cooperation among its member states.

ECOWAS Member Countries

As of now, ECOWAS comprises 15 member states:

1. Benin
2. Burkina Faso
3. Cape Verde
4. Côte d’Ivoire
5. Gambia
6. Ghana
7. Guinea
8. Guinea-Bissau
9. Liberia
10. Mali
11. Niger
12. Nigeria
13. Senegal
14. Sierra Leone
15. Togo

Objectives

ECOWAS aims to achieve collective self-sufficiency for its member states by creating a single large trading bloc through an economic and trading union. Its specific objectives include:

• Promoting economic integration across various sectors such as industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, agriculture, natural resources, commerce, monetary and financial questions, social and cultural matters.
• Removing trade barriers and establishing a customs union.
• Creating a common market and harmonizing sectoral policies.
• Promoting peace and security within the region.