This paper focuses on ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and its attendant challenges for regional integration in West Africa. The paper draws on academic and policy literatures, empirical evidence and participant observation as well as elite interviews. It submitted that the ETLS launched to facilitate the establishment of a Common External Tariff and the creation of a Free Trade Area had not achieved its intended mandate or objective. Several obstacles still impeded growth of subregional bilateral ties and intra-trade in West Africa and realigning the protocols to suit the economy of member states is therefore inevitable.
Although established to promote intra-trade in West Africa and facilitate accelerated economic progress among member states, ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) is yet to be fully realised. Scholars have argued that ETLS has recorded significant economic feats for member states in the subregion; but some contended that ETLS performance has been discouraging and this became noticeable with the call by some legislators in Nigeria (the biggest economy in the region) for a ‘technical exit’ of Nigeria from the regional body. More than two decades after the launching of the ETLS, ECOWAS member states still seem to choose products and investments from outside West Africa rather than trade, manufacture and add value within and when they
trade with themselves, economic sabotage, sharp economic practices and abuse of ETLS rules of Origin seems to be the norm, hurting member’s economy rather than building it.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Objectives of the Study
3. Theoretical Framework
4. A Historical Review of Economic Integration in West Africa
5. Integration Efforts in West Africa
5.1 Union Economique et Monetaire Ouest Africaine (UEMOA)
5.2 Mano River Union (MRU)
5.3 Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
5.4 ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS): Nature and Effects on Trade and Industries in West Africa
5.5 Stages for the Implementation of ETLS Initiative
5.6 Free Movements of Persons and Goods, the Right of Residence and Establishments
5.7 Tariff and Non-Tariff Barriers to Trade in West Africa
5.8 Unauthorised Checkpoints and Road Blocks
5.9 Duplicity of Integration Schemes
5.10 Conflict and Political Instability
5.11 High Level of Poverty and Lack of Adequate Resources
5.12 Poor Infrastructure
5.13 Registration under ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme: Criteria and Challenges
5.14 Rules of Origin Community Goods
5.15 Challenges of Registering under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme
6. Policy Recommendations
7. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This paper critically examines the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) to evaluate its effectiveness in promoting regional economic integration and intra-trade within West Africa, despite persistent challenges such as structural barriers and implementation lags.
- Analysis of the ETLS components and its impact on regional trade relations.
- Identification of structural, political, and logistical obstacles to regional integration.
- Evaluation of administrative processes and registration criteria for enterprises.
- Investigation into the prevalence of non-tariff barriers, including unauthorized checkpoints.
Excerpt from the Publication
Unauthorised Checkpoints and Road Blocks
One of the fundamental problem challenges facing smooth trade in West Africa today is the numbers of checkpoints and road blocks that obstruct free movement of persons and goods in the sub-region which ultimately stalls the integration process. A personal observation, along Lagos-Accra route in December, 2013 reveals over 40 posts between Mile 2 and Seme border in Lagos to Aflao Border in Ghana with so many agencies replicated at every distances. The problem here is not even the presence of these security agencies but the illegal activity carried out by some of them.
Our observation was that they did not even want to check the correctness of the documents you are holding but are more interested in the money you are ready to offer. According to an ECOWAS study, there are seven checkpoints in every 100km on the road between Lagos and Abidjan; two on every 100km stretch between Accra and Ouagadougou, etc. The implication of this is that it has encouraged corrupt government law enforcement agents to consistently harass and extort money from regional citizens, there by undermining regional economic activities.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides the economic context of West Africa and underscores the necessity of regional integration for economic growth.
Objectives of the Study: Outlines the primary goal of assessing the adequacy of the ETLS in achieving full market integration in the region.
Theoretical Framework: Utilizes intergovernmentalism theory to explain how state-led negotiations drive the integration process in West Africa.
A Historical Review of Economic Integration in West Africa: Explores the historical background of integration, from pre-colonial systems to post-WWII regional cooperation.
Integration Efforts in West Africa: Details various regional initiatives, including UEMOA, the Mano River Union, and the comprehensive structure of the ETLS.
Policy Recommendations: Suggests practical improvements such as the 'Single Window' system and infrastructure development to enhance regional competitiveness.
Conclusion: Summarizes that political will is the decisive factor required to overcome administrative and structural barriers to the ETLS mandate.
Keywords
ECOWAS, Trade Liberalisation Scheme, West Africa, Intra-trade, Regional Integration, Free Trade Area, Common External Tariff, Customs Union, Economic Cooperation, Infrastructure, Policy Reform, Border Controls, Rules of Origin, Private Sector, Market Integration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and investigates the various challenges, such as tariff and non-tariff barriers, that hinder its success in facilitating regional integration in West Africa.
What are the central themes of the document?
The central themes include the historical context of West African integration, the administrative procedures for registering under the ETLS, the impact of political and security challenges on trade, and the necessity of policy reform.
What is the primary research goal?
The study aims to reflect on and interrogate the adequacy of the ETLS in attaining full market integration within the West African region.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The paper utilizes a qualitative approach, drawing on academic and policy literature, empirical evidence, participant observation, and elite interviews to analyze the current state of regional trade.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body covers the historical evolution of integration, a detailed breakdown of the ETLS operational stages, the registration processes for businesses, and a critique of the prevailing barriers to trade, such as unofficial road blocks.
Which keywords best characterize the study?
The study is best characterized by terms such as ECOWAS, regional integration, ETLS, intra-trade, tariff barriers, and economic cooperation.
Why does the author highlight the 'Single Window' system?
The author proposes the 'Single Window' system as a best-practice solution to reduce border delays, bureaucracy, and corruption, citing its success in ASEAN nations and Ghana.
What role do unauthorized checkpoints play in the research?
Unauthorized checkpoints are presented as a major logistical and economic burden that facilitates corruption and harassment, directly contradicting the goal of free movement within the ECOWAS sub-region.
How does the author evaluate the role of national governments?
The author argues that while commitments have been made at the regional level, there is a persistent lack of political will at the national level, with domestic protectionist policies often overriding regional integration goals.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Adedeji Ademola (Autor:in), 2014, ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme. An Instrument for Creating Prosperity or Retrogressive Invention?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1033891
