AGOA, the African Growth and Opportunity Act, is one of the cornerstones of the U.S.-Africa economic relationship. A trade program that includes 41 African countries, AGOA was renewed in 2015 for another ten years. It helps African countries develop their export industries and open their markets, build jobs, and ultimately, build peace and human security through economic growth. But many African countries haven’t fully taken advantage of their preferential access to U.S. markets due to neglected AGOA utilization plans, small markets, underdeveloped sectors, and more.

In this paired paper and policy brief, Southern Voices Network Scholar George Boateng explores how regional integration through the West African economic community ECOWAS can help West African countries leverage regional advantages to become more competitive. He discusses policy options for using regional integration to maximize utilization of AGOA, drive economic transformation, and build peace and security.

Please see the policy brief and the full 8-page research paper linked below.

This publication was made possible by a grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The statements made and views expressed in this paper are solely the responsibility of the author and do not represent the views of the Wilson Center or the Carnegie Corporation of New York.