Economic Community of West African States

Quick Facts: Who was Economic Community of West African States?

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Economic Community of West African States

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A regional political and economic union of twelve West African nations.

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Origins & Early Life

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS; also known as CEDEAO in French and Portuguese) is a regional political and economic union of twelve countries of West Africa. Collectively, the present and former members comprise an area of 5,114,162 km2 (1,974,589 sq mi) and have an estimated population of over 424.34 million.

Career & Major Achievements

Considered one of the pillar regional blocs of the continent-wide African Economic Community (AEC), the stated goal of ECOWAS is to achieve "collective self-sufficiency" for its member states by creating a single large trade bloc by building a full economic and trading union. Additionally, ECOWAS aims to raise living standards and promote economic development.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The union was established on 28 May 1975, with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos, with its stated mission to promote economic integration across the region. A revised version of the treaty was agreed and signed on 24 July 1993 in Cotonou, the largest city in Benin.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1975: 1975 Milestone — The union was established on 28 May 1975, with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos, with its stated mission to promote economic integration across the region.
2. 1993: 1993 Milestone — A revised version of the treaty was agreed and signed on 24 July 1993 in Cotonou, the largest city in Benin.

Notable Quotes by Economic Community of West African States

“The stated goal of ECOWAS is to achieve "collective self-sufficiency" for its member states by creating a single large trade bloc by building a full economic and trading union.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Economic Community of West African States

True or False: “True or false: The primary goal of ECOWAS is merely to promote trade between existing member states without aiming for a full economic and monetary union.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): False. ECOWAS explicitly aims to achieve "collective self-sufficiency" by building a full economic and trading union, which includes monetary harmonization.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Economic Community of West African States