Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic plans to exit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a move that could have negative consequences for their economies and worsen food insecurity in the region. These landlocked and poor countries would face increased tariffs and restrictions on trade if they leave the regional bloc. The potential exit would result in a loss of access to markets like Nigeria and Ghana, which together have a GDP of US $467 billion. The free movement of goods, capital, and people within ECOWAS benefits its members, and trade within the bloc is currently valued at around US $277 million but has the potential to grow to $2 billion in the coming years. The departure of these three countries could weaken ECOWAS’ trade with the rest of the world and its contribution to the African Continental Free Trade Area. The International Monetary Fund is monitoring the situation, recognizing the potential negative impact of moving away from an integrated economic area.
