Export Duration in West Africa, an Analysis of Economic Integration Agreements’ Effects
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Date
2026
Authors
Adou Niango Sika Antoine Brice
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AERC
Abstract
The main objective of economic trade agreements is to reduce trade costs and stimulate economic growth through trade. Using data over the period 1962 to 2019, this paper examines the contribution of economic integration agreements on exports duration in West Africa. The results show that economic integration agreements influence positively trade survival in West Africa. Nevertheless, the average time of trade survival is short, which is compatible with results found in the literature. Results in this study show that when partner countries are part of a regional economic communities, their trade relationship survives longer than other countries outside the community. Data at a more disaggregated level also confirmed that trade duration is short-lived. The findings provide insights to policy makers at the era of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement as well as at the renewal of the AGOA agreements. More importantly, when negotiating agreements, the region can show more collaboration and level ground for more investments in sectors where these countries have comparative advantages.