The Role of Parliament on Economic Integration in Africa: Evidence from ECOWAS Parliament

Abstract

The paper examines the role of the Parliament on Economic Integration in Africa, with focus on ECOWAS Parliament. The paper compared the activities of the ECOWAS parliament to similar parliaments in the globe such as the European Parliament, the Pan African Parliament, the Caribbean Parliament, and the East African Parliament. Using descriptive approach, the paper discovered that unlike other parliaments in the globe, the ECOWAS parliament is only a consultative and advisory body and lacks legislative powers. Consequently, trade between member states is still far from what it ought to be, while the movement of persons within the West African Sub-region is yet to be fully realized. Other issues such as single currency and a common position in trade with other regional blocks such as the European Union are still huge challenges. The paper therefore recommends the promotion of economic integration in Africa by transforming the parliament from a forum for dialogue, consultation and consensus among representatives of the people to a co-decision making and subsequently a law making parliament. It also recommends the swift adoption of a case for the enhancement of the power of the ECOWAS Parliament presented to the president of the ECOWAS Commission without further delay. This would help to improve trade and investment in the Sub-region and enable ECOWAS compete favourably in the global economy.