Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

This research project focuses on analysing and describing the functioning of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional organisation committed to promoting economic integration, peace, and development among its 15 member states. By systematically examining its institutional framework, policies, legislative processes, and degree of integration, the project aims to evaluate ECOWAS’s successes and challenges, providing valuable insights into its role as a model for regional cooperation in Africa.

The study will begin with an in-depth examination of ECOWAS’s institutional structure, exploring the roles and interactions of its various bodies, such as the Authority of Heads of State and Government, the ECOWAS Commission, and the ECOWAS Parliament. The research will assess how effectively these institutions fulfil their mandates, identifying strengths in organisational design and areas where inefficiencies or inconsistencies have impeded progress.

A core component of the project will involve an evaluation of the policies developed by ECOWAS to achieve its objectives, particularly in areas such as economic cooperation, trade liberalisation, conflict resolution, and governance. This analysis will consider the scope and impact of these policies across member states, shedding light on their practical outcomes and the obstacles encountered during implementation.

The adoption of legislative acts will be another focal point of the study. Researchers will examine the nature and frequency of legislative measures enacted by ECOWAS, assessing their alignment with regional goals and their adoption at the national level. This aspect of the research will explore the extent to which member states comply with ECOWAS’s decisions and whether the organisation has mechanisms in place to ensure enforcement.

Finally, the project will evaluate the overall degree of integration achieved by ECOWAS since its establishment in 1975. This includes assessing the effectiveness of its initiatives in fostering economic interdependence, enhancing political collaboration, and promoting social and cultural exchange among member states. The analysis will highlight the successes ECOWAS has achieved in advancing regional integration and identify key factors contributing to its limitations or failures.

The research benefits from a collaborative approach, involving scholars from the University of Lisbon School of Law (Portugal) and the Faculty of Law of Bissau (Guinea-Bissau). This partnership brings diverse perspectives and expertise to the study, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of ECOWAS’s operations and impact.

The findings of this project are expected to make significant contributions to both academic scholarship and policymaking. By identifying lessons from ECOWAS’s experiences, the research will provide valuable insights for improving its performance and for guiding other regional integration efforts in Africa and beyond. The project also aims to foster deeper understanding and dialogue about the future of ECOWAS as a critical player in promoting economic growth, peace, and stability in West Africa.

By systematically assessing the institutional, legislative, and policy dimensions of ECOWAS, this research will offer a nuanced evaluation of the organisation’s role in advancing regional integration, serving as a resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.

Research Team

Prof. Dr. Paulo Alves Pardal

João Mendes Pereira

Gabriel Ambrósio Umabano

Evaristo Vieira

Armando Sumba

Duration: 2024-2026

Project Ongoing