Have you ever wondered about the countries that make up the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS for short? As the name suggests, ECOWAS is an organization of countries in West Africa that was founded to promote economic integration and cooperation in the region.
In this article, we’ll go through the list of ECOWAS countries so you can get familiar with the countries in this important African alliance. Whether you’re a student looking to brush up on your African geography or just someone interested in learning more about West Africa, this list of ECOWAS countries has got you covered.
What Is ECOWAS?
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), also known as CEDEAO in French and Portuguese, is a regional political and economic union of fifteen West African countries. Collectively, these countries comprise an area of 5,114,162 km2 (1,974,589 sq mi) and have an estimated population of over 424.34 million.
Considered one of the pillar regional blocs of the continent-wide African Economic Community (AEC), ECOWAS’s stated goal is to attain “collective self-sufficiency” for its member states by forming a single major trade bloc and establishing a full economic and trading union. Furthermore, ECOWAS aspires to improve living conditions and foster economic development. The union was established on May 28, 1975, with the signing of The Treaty of Lagos, with the stated purpose of promoting regional economic cooperation. On July 24, 1993, a revised version of the treaty was agreed to and signed in Cotonou, Benin’s main city. ECOWAS’ essential beliefs are based on equity, interdependence, solidarity, cooperation, nonviolence, regional peace, human rights advancement, and economic and social justice.
ECOWAS’s protocols and plans include the ECOWAS Free Movement of Persons, Residences, and Establishment Protocol and the Ecotour Action Plan 2019-2029. The Free Movement of Persons Protocol grants citizens the right to enter and reside on the territory of any member state, while the Ecotour Action Plan seeks to enhance and integrate each member state’s tourist economy. ECOWAS also acts as a regional peacekeeping force, with member states periodically sending joint military forces to intervene in the bloc’s member countries during periods of political instability and unrest. In 2024, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali announced their withdrawal from the bloc. The countries had been suspended from ECOWAS due to military coups in their respective governments.
In summary, ECOWAS aims to promote cooperation and integration in West Africa. Through combined efforts, the member states hope to raise the living standards of their citizens, increase economic growth, and maintain regional peace and security. By working together, the West African states can achieve things that would not have been possible by acting alone.
History of ECOWAS
ECOWAS was formed initially from the region’s former French, British, and Portuguese territories, as well as independent Liberia, following the region’s post-colonial independence. Many African republics had difficulties in expanding their economies after gaining independence. Because these states could not solve problems separately, a regional response was required, which led to the formation of ECOWAS. ECOWAS was founded to promote regional economic collaboration, but it has now expanded to include political and military cooperation as well.
ECOWAS was established on May 28, 1975, with the signing of The Treaty of Lagos, with the stated mission of promoting economic integration across the region. A revised version of the treaty was agreed upon and signed on July 24, 1993, in Cotonou. Considered one of the pillar regional blocs of the continent-wide African Economic Community (AEC), ECOWAS’s stated goal is to attain “collective self-sufficiency” for its member states by forming a single major trade bloc and establishing a full economic and trading union.
ECOWAS has come a long way since 1975. Despite some obstacles, it continues to take steps towards building a prosperous and integrated West Africa. By improving cooperation, infrastructure and policies, ECOWAS can unlock the region’s vast potential and raise living standards for over 300 million West Africans. The future looks bright for increased trade, investment and development in West Africa.
ECOWAS Structure
ECOWAS is made up of two functioning institutions that implement policies: the ECOWAS Commission and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), which was previously known as the Fund for Cooperation before being renamed in 2001.
It also includes the following institutions: the ECOWAS Commission, the Community Court of Justice, the Community Parliament, the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), the West African Health Organization (WAHO), and the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing in West Africa (GIABA).
ECOWAS has two sub-regional blocks, namely:
The West African Economic and Monetary Union, also known by its French acronym (UEMOA), is an organization of eight ECOWAS member states, primarily French-speaking, that share a customs and currency union. Established in 1994 to counteract the bloc’s dominance of English-speaking economies (such as Nigeria and Ghana), UEMOA members are largely former French West African territory. They all utilize the CFA franc, a currency pegged to the euro.
The West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ), which was founded in 2000, is made up of six ECOWAS countries that primarily speak English and intend to work toward adopting their own shared currency, the eco.
ECOWAS operates in three co-official languages: French, English, and Portuguese.
Full List of ECOWAS Countries and Member States
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional political and economic union of fifteen countries located in West Africa. In 1975, ECOWAS was formed to promote economic integration among countries in the region.
The fifteen member countries of ECOWAS are:
• Benin • Burkina Faso • Cape Verde • Côte d’Ivoire • Gambia • Ghana • Guinea • Guinea-Bissau • Liberia • Mali • Niger • Nigeria • Senegal • Sierra Leone • Togo
These West African nations vary in size and population, but they share common political and economic goals of ECOWAS. Together, they have over 300 million citizens across Western Africa.
| COUNTRY | AREA
(KM2) |
POPULATION |
|---|---|---|
 |
114,763 | 10,880,000 |
 |
272,967 | 18,106,000 |
 |
4,033 | 521,000 |
 |
11,295 | 1,991,000 |
 |
238,533 | 27,410,000 |
 |
245,857 | 12,609,000 |
 |
36,125 | 1,844,000 |
 |
322,463 | 22,702,000 |
 |
111,369 | 4,503,000 |
 |
1,240,192 | 17,600,000 |
 |
1,267,000 | 19,899,000 |
 |
923,768 | 211,400,000 |
 |
196,712 | 15,129,000 |
 |
72,300 | 6,453,000 |
 |
56,785 | 7,305,000 |
| Total | 5,114,162 | 338,052,000 |
Note: These Statistics for population, nominal GDP, and purchasing power parity GDP listed above are taken from Wikipedia.
ECOWAS works together with its member states to realize the huge economic potential of West Africa through economic integration and cooperation. Despite challenges, ECOWAS countries continue to strengthen political and economic ties for the benefit of all citizens in Western Africa.
ECOWAS Website: www.ecowas.int
Map of Africa Indicating All The Member Countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) consists of 15 West African countries. Looking at a map of Africa, you can see the ECOWAS member countries stretch from the southern coast of West Africa to the northern coast, encompassing a large portion of the western region of the continent.
The 15 ECOWAS countries include:
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cape Verde
- Côte d’Ivoire
- The Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Liberia
- Mali
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
With a population of over 300 million people, ECOWAS promotes economic integration and cooperation among its member states. Some of the larger countries in West Africa that have had a significant influence on ECOWAS are Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal. Looking at the map, you’ll notice these countries also have extensive coastlines along the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean, giving them access to valuable seaports and trade routes.
While progress is still being made, ECOWAS has been largely successful in promoting peace, security, and political stability in West Africa. By fostering cooperation on political and economic issues, ECOWAS helps address challenges that transcend national borders and impact the entire region. Overall, ECOWAS member countries are stronger together, which is why regional integration remains so important.
Frequently Asked Questions About the List of ECOWAS Countries
You probably have some questions about the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its 15 member countries. Here are some of the most common FAQs.
How Many Countries Are in ECOWAS?
ECOWAS currently has 15 member countries in West Africa, with a total population of over 300 million people.
What is the purpose of ECOWAS? ECOWAS was established in 1975 to promote economic integration and cooperation among its member states. The goal is to create a single large trading bloc, with free movement of people and goods across borders. ECOWAS works together on political, humanitarian and security issues as well.
What are the official languages of ECOWAS?
The official languages of ECOWAS are English, French, and Portuguese, reflecting the languages of the member countries. Key ECOWAS documents are translated into these three languages.
What is the ECOWAS passport?
The ECOWAS passport allows citizens of member countries to travel within West Africa without a visa for up to 90 days. The passport has security features like biometric information to prevent fraud and make it easier to verify identities across borders.
What does ECOWAS trade in?
ECOWAS promotes trade in agricultural products, natural resources, and manufactured goods across the region. Some of the major exports are petroleum, cocoa, rubber, cotton, gold, and palm oil. ECOWAS works to eliminate trade barriers and standardize trade policies to make it easier to buy and sell within the bloc.
Does ECOWAS have a currency?
ECOWAS plans to introduce a single currency, the Eco, to facilitate trade and economic integration. The timeline for launching the Eco has been pushed back several times, but ECOWAS hopes to debut it in the coming years. For now, each country retains its own currency.
ECOWAS has come a long way in promoting cooperation and economic growth in West Africa. But many challenges remain, like security issues, infrastructure needs, health crises, and political instability in some countries. ECOWAS continues to work toward overcoming these obstacles and building a prosperous community.
Conclusion
And there you have it, the complete list of all 15 ECOWAS countries. From the tropical beaches of Cape Verde to the bustling cities of Nigeria, each member state has its own unique culture and landscapes to explore. As an economic union, ECOWAS plays an important role in promoting trade and cooperation between these West African nations. Whether you’re looking to do business, travel, or learn more about the region, this summary of ECOWAS countries serves as your guide. With their growing populations and developing economies, these countries are shaping the future of West Africa.