Informal Cross-Border Trade in African Economic Communities – The Case of The Ecowas and the Waemu

Goal – the paper aims to present research findings relating to the complexity of the phenomenon of cross-border trade in the functioning of the ECOWAS and the WAEMU with a particular focus on elements of informal cross-border trade within the communities concerned. Research methodology – empirical (indirect observation and description) and general methods, including deduction and induction, were used to achieve the aim of the study. Research techniques such as cause-and-effect, comparative, documentary, historical, and synthesis were of great importance. Score/results – the investigation primarily leads to the conclusion that it is necessary to perceive ICBT differently from the perspective of economic communities of less developed countries (ECOWAS, WAEMU) and from that of advanced economies, such as the European Union, placing significant emphasis on the formalisation of trade and penalising entities pursuing informal activities. From the point of view of maximising the benefits of trade within particular African economic communities and – in the near future – within Africa’s continental community (AfCFTA, AEC), it seems vital to develop a specific, African way of appropriately using the potential of ICBT, specifically with the aim of promoting social inclusion and reducing poverty in Africa. Originality/value – the subject of ICBT in African REC is not a new problem, but it is still a niche subject, particularly in the Polish literature. The work is done by the author independently without any help and assistance of others. The study relies on the examination of source documents, statistical data and the critical analysis of the literature.