Call for Papers - Half a Century of Regional Integration: The Evolution and Future Trajectory of ECOWAS

Background

Established in 1975 with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was founded to promote economic cooperation and regional integration among its 15 member states. Over the past fifty years, ECOWAS has grown into one of Africa's most dynamic regional organizations, serving as a vital platform for addressing the political, economic, and social challenges of West Africa. Its evolution has been marked by ambitious initiatives, significant achievements, and persistent obstacles, making it a compelling subject for academic inquiry and policy reflection.

The founding vision of ECOWAS was rooted in the principles of economic integration and collective self-reliance. Initially focused on fostering trade liberalization and economic cooperation, the organization quickly expanded its mandate to encompass political stability, security, and social development. Over the decades, ECOWAS has established key institutions, including the ECOWAS Commission, the West African Monetary Agency, and the ECOWAS Parliament, to implement its goals.  ECOWAS has made notable strides in fostering regional integration. Its free movement protocol has facilitated the mobility of people, goods, and services across member states, while its common external tariff and trade policies have laid the groundwork for a single market. The organization's peacekeeping efforts, led by the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), have been critical in resolving conflicts and promoting democratic governance in the region.

As ECOWAS marks its 50th anniversary, it stands at a crossroads. The need to adapt to new realities such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), advancements in digital technology, and the evolving security and governance challenges has never been more urgent. The Sahel’s exit from ECOWAS governance has added a complex dimension to these challenges. The rise of military-led governments in the region underscores deeper socio-political and economic issues, including governance failures, pervasive insecurity, and limited economic opportunities. These shifts have disrupted the regional balance, complicating ECOWAS’s mandate to foster peace and democracy. Against this backdrop, ECOWAS faces a future that demands resilience, reform, and a renewed commitment to its founding principles.

Purpose of the Edited Volume

This edited volume, Half a Century of Regional Integration: The Evolution and Future Trajectory of ECOWAS, aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the organization's achievements, challenges, and prospects. By bringing together insights from scholars, policymakers, and practitioners, this book seeks to critically evaluate the trajectory of ECOWAS and offer innovative strategies for strengthening its role as a driver of regional integration in Africa.

Scope and Relevance

The book will explore a broad range of themes, including the historical evolution of ECOWAS, its economic and monetary policies, peace and security initiatives, social and cultural dimensions, environmental governance, and international partnerships. It will also examine the interplay between ECOWAS and continental frameworks like the African Union and AfCFTA, highlighting the organization's contributions to Africa’s broader integration agenda.

Part I: Historical Context and Institutional Evolution

1. The Genesis of ECOWAS: Founding Principles and Early Aspirations

• Historical origins and socio-political context.
• Founding treaties and their implications.

2. The Evolution of ECOWAS Institutions and Governance Structures

• Institutional development and reforms.
• The role of the ECOWAS Commission and specialized agencies.

3. Pioneers of Regional Integration: Profiles of Key Actors

• Contributions of founding leaders and prominent policymakers.

Part II: Economic Integration and Development

1. Regional Economic Integration: Trade Liberalization and Economic Cooperation

• Achievements in intra-regional trade and industrial policy.
• Challenges of tariff harmonization and economic disparity.

2. Infrastructure and Connectivity: Bridging the Gap

• Development of transport, energy, and ICT projects.
• Cross-border connectivity initiatives and public-private partnerships.

3. Monetary Cooperation and the Quest for a Common Currency

• Progress and setbacks in monetary union.
• Implications for financial stability and investment.

Part III: Peace, Security, and Political Stability

1. ECOWAS and Peacebuilding: The Role of ECOMOG

• Case studies of military interventions and peacekeeping missions.
• Successes, limitations, and lessons learned.

2. Regional Responses to Governance and Democracy Challenges

• Promotion of democratic norms and electoral monitoring.
• Mechanisms for addressing coups and constitutional crises.

3. Human Security and Conflict Resolution in West Africa

• Addressing terrorism, piracy, and organized crime.
• Collaboration with the African Union and international actors.

Part IV: Social and Cultural Dimensions

1. Migration, Mobility, and Citizenship: The ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol

• Impact on labour mobility and socio-economic integration.
• Policy gaps and enforcement challenges.

2. Cultural Exchange and Regional Identity Formation

• Role of language, art, and media in fostering regional solidarity.
• Cultural diplomacy initiatives.

Part V: Environmental and Sustainable Development

1. Climate Change and Environmental Governance in West Africa

• Regional cooperation on climate resilience and disaster management.
• Addressing desertification, deforestation, and marine resource depletion.

2. Food Security and Agricultural Development

• Regional strategies to combat food insecurity and rural poverty.
• The role of ECOWAS Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP).

Part VI: ECOWAS and Global Partnerships

1. The Role of ECOWAS in Africa’s Continental Integration

• Synergies with the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
• Leadership in promoting pan-Africanism.

2. ECOWAS and International Partnerships

• Engagement with the United Nations, European Union, and other global actors.
• Impact of external funding and technical assistance.

Part VII: Future Directions

1. Challenges and Opportunities in the Next 50 Years

• Balancing sovereignty with regionalism in an era of globalization.
• Adapting to emerging technologies and economic shifts.
  
  

2. Rethinking Regional Integration: Innovative Strategies for ECOWAS

• Policy recommendations for enhancing integration and effectiveness.
• Visionary perspectives on ECOWAS’s role in global geopolitics.

Call for Authors: Academics, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners are invited to contribute to this landmark publication by submitting a chapter proposal aligned with the outlined themes. Abstracts should clearly articulate the proposed chapter’s focus, methodology, and contribution to the broader objectives of the book.

The book volume will be edited by Prof. Musa Abutudu of the University of Benin and Prof. Victor Adetula of the University of Jos.

 

Submission Guidelines:

1. Abstract Submission:

Abstracts should be no more than 300 words and include the title, author(s)’ name(s), affiliation(s), and contact information.

1. Full Paper Submission:

• Chapter Length: 6,000–8,000 words, including references.
• Style: APA (7th Edition)

Key Dates:

• Abstract Submission deadline - May 10, 2025
• The timeline for consideration and notification for selected abstracts – May 30, 2025
• Full Paper Submission: July 30, 2025
• Feedback to Authors: August 30, 2025
• Resubmission of Edited Papers: September 30, 2025

Publication Date: December 2025.

Submission Process: Abstracts and full papers should be submitted via email to dangalapu@cddwestafrica.org and copied to tolaniyan@cddwestafrica.org and rolatunji@cddwestafrica.org.

For inquiries, please contact Dengiyefa Angalapu/Research Analyst at dangalapu@cddwestafrica.org or +2348165114913