The potential withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) could have significant implications for the region’s US $277.22 billion trade with the world. In 2022, total trade volumes from the ECOWAS region reached US $277.22 billion, with exports led by Nigeria at US $63.34 billion. The recent military coups in these countries prompted their military leaders to announce their withdrawal from the economic bloc, citing a deviation from the organization’s founding principles. The exit of these countries could impact the total imports and exports of the region, which is intended to be a key pillar of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Additionally, the three countries are members of the West African Monetary Union, and their suspension from the regional financial market has further complicated the situation. However, ECOWAS has stated that it has not received any formal notification of withdrawal and remains committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse.
