Challenges Facing the Economic Partnership Agreement between the EU and West Africa

Abstract

Six years after negotiations, the Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the West African region is still in abeyance pending signatures from Nigeria. Following the fallout from the Cotonou Agreement, the proposed EPA was designed to comply with WTO rules on preferential trade agreements while reinforcing the long-standing relationship between the two parties. This article analyses the crucial challenges facing the ratification of the Agreement and the potential landmines that may be encountered with the harmonisation of the proposed agreement in the region. It shows that although the EPA provides a progressive agenda for the economic development of West Africa, effective implementation and proactive regional integration are key to realising the full potential of the Agreement.