The Economic Community of West African States: Status, Problems and Prospects for Change

The Economic Community of West African States (EOWAS) is a major attempt by 16 lesser developed countries (LDCs) to gain economic advantages through regional co‐operation and to improve their international leverage on several factors with multinational companies, foreign governments, an inter‐governmental organizations. This group of mostly young nations has survived uniquely difficult circumstances and is now relaunching its efforts at economic reform, trade liberalization, and political dialogue. Although there are problems, the regional economy it covers offers significant opportunities for international marketers.