THE IMPACT OF NATIONAL POLICIES ON REGIONAL ECONOMIC INTEGRATION IN WEST AFRICA: CHALLENGES AND IMPEDIMENTS

Abstract

This study examines the impact of national policies as impediments to regional economic integration in West
Africa. Regional economic integration is a process in which two or more countries agree to eliminate
economic barriers within their region, with the end goal of enhancing productivity and achieving greater
economic interdependence. It can take different forms, from the simplest preferential trade area to the most
advanced monetary or fiscal union. However, despite the growing efforts of countries to achieve this regional
economic integration in West Africa, some national policies of the member states often conflict with regional
objectives due to different economic priorities, political interests, and protectionist tendencies among member
states which appears to pose a serious threat and limiting the progress of realizing and achieving the apex
economic integration in West African sub-region. In this regard, the study derived its data from both primary
and secondary sources and carried out content analysis method to explore wide varieties of literature on the
subject matter. Findings of this research will provide insights for governments, policymakers and regional
bodies aiming to foster sustainable economic integration in West Africa.