Economic Integration and Regional Trade in West Africa, 2010 – 2018

The paper on Economic Integration and Regional Trade in West Africa sought primarily to examine the circumstances surrounding the implementation of economic integration strategy in West Africa. This was necessary because there has been no recorded trade growth and development across the sub region from the time of signing of economic integration treaty to date. The study was an chore d on secondary sources of data collections. Content analysis was employed in analyzing the data collected. The theoretical framework employed was the Absolute Advantage theory propounded by Adam Smith in his 1776 book entitled “The Wealth of Nations”  in which he countered mercantilist ideas on trade. The theory seeks to show how countries can gain from trade by specialising in producing and exporting the goods that they can produce more efficiently than other countries.It was found that the strategy still existed in form till today as impediments to trade still loomed and are yet to be eradicated. The study recommended a clear commitment of leadership towards unrestricted movement, functional infrastructure and domination fear among member countries. It was concluded that member countries should not be complacent but thrive on cooperating and embracing economic integration strategy as a platform to common economic and trade liberalisation, growth and development in West Africa. Neebani, Emmanuel Nubari Bariyoneto "Economic Integration and Regional Trade in West Africa, 2010 – 2018" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-1 , December 2020, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd35888.pdf Paper URL : https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/political-science/35888/economic-integration-and-regional-trade-in-west-africa-2010-– -2018/neebani-emmanuel-nubari-bariyoneto