Assistance to ECOWAS for strengthening economic cooperation and intergration among west african countries: synthesis report

Abstract

The report evaluates key sectors agriculture, industry, transport, energy, and trade—identifying challenges such as low productivity, inadequate infrastructure, and weak institutional coordination. It proposes short- and long-term strategies to boost subregional cooperation, including harmonized policies, infrastructure development, and institutional strengthening. Key recommendations include: Agriculture: Enhancing food security through coordinated research, trade facilitation, and sustainable resource management. Industry: Promoting agro-based industries, improving competitiveness, and fostering regional industrial cooperation. The report underscores the need for political commitment, institutional reforms, and collaborative frameworks to achieve economic integration under ECOWAS, aligning with broader African development goals like the Lagos Plan of Action and the Abuja Treaty.