AI-generated content may sometimes contain inaccurate, incomplete, or biased information, so make sure you do additional research. You should not rely on this feature for medical, financial, or legal advice. What is ECOWAS: A Regional Bloc Transforming West Africa's Economic Landscape We weren’t able to create a summary for you. Refresh your page to try again. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS; also known as CEDEAO in French and Portuguese) is a regional political and economic union of twelve countries of West Africa. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS; also known as CEDEAO in French and Portuguese) is a regional political and economic union of twelve countries of West Africa. Considered one of the pillars of the African Economic Community, ECOWAS was set up to foster the ideal of collective self-sufficiency for its member states. As a trading union, it is also meant to create a single, large trading bloc through economic cooperation. Considered one of the pillars of the African Economic Community, ECOWAS was set up to foster the ideal of collective self-sufficiency for its member states. As a trading union, it is also meant to create a single, large trading bloc through economic cooperation. The EconomicCommunity of WestAfricanStates (ECOWAS; also known as CEDEAO in French and Portuguese) is aregional political and economic union of twelve countries of WestAfrica. • The EconomicCommunity of WestAfricanStates (ECOWAS) was established by the signing of Treaty of Lagos in May 1975 by 15 WestAfrican countries. • Cabo Verde joined the union in 1977. • Mauritania withdrew its full-membership in 2000. WestAfricanbloc approves historic exit of military-run states.