Wspólnota Gospodarcza Państw Afryki Zachodniej jako przykład integracji gospodarczej w Afryce
Economic community of West African states as an example of economic integration in Africa

Summary/Abstract: This article has two main goals: to present the evolution of Economic Community of West African States (ECWAS) and also to attempt an analysis of its integration cooperation. ECWAS (French – Communaute Economique des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest – CEDEAO), the largest community in terms of population in West Africa is a regional economic and political union established on 28 May 1975 by the signing of the Treaty of Lagos(Nigeria). The analysis was based on BCEAO, IMF and UNCTAD data and World Bank reports. The article describes the intra-regional trade structure with particular emphasis on the ECOWAS countries belonging to the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). Studies have shown that despite the introduction of the common Customs Tariff in 2015 as well as the principles of the free movement of goods and persons, no progres has been made towards trade liberalization. In addition, the specificity of cooperation in Africa in general, and in particular in West Africa is different and still fraught by problems on many levels. However, despite the difficulties, Decision-Makers of the West African countries outline favorable partnership perspectives for the coming years.

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