HARMONIZATION TARIFF LIBERALIZATION UNDER AFCTA AND WTO RULES: IMPLICATION FOR WEST AFRICAN ECONOMIES

Publication Details

Publication Date

10/09/2026

Volume / Issue

Vol 1, Issue 4 (2026)

Article No.

002

Journal

British Journal of Contemporary Research

DOI

https://doi.org/10.67693/BJCR-KG7AXVMD

Received

04 Aug 2026

Views

6

Downloads

0

Abstract

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has the potential to transform the African economy through integration, tariff liberalisation, and the removal of non-trade barriers. However, in pursuing its future of economic prosperity and regional cohesion, Africa must contend with existing commitments to the WTO and regional blocs. This is because the text of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement is designed in such a way as not to affect the third-party obligations of AfCFTA member states. In reality, however, these overlapping obligations will pose a challenge to the implementation of the Agreement. In West African economies, this presents a significant problem as all fifteen West African states are members of the WTO, with twelve of them also being members of ECOWAS. This paper aims to examine the dynamics between the double commitments of West African states to the WTO and ECOWAS to determine how these can be managed. The findings suggest that the AfCFTA adopts a more favourable approach than the WTO regime due to its flexibility and phased reduction of tariffs for 90% of goods traded within Africa. Additionally, the AfCFTA permits the protection of sensitive products. If the differences and divergences between the WTO and the AfCFTA are mismanaged, they could lead to conflict, administrative stagnation, and legal uncertainties. The paper recommends policy alignment and coordination at national, regional, and continental levels to ensure a smooth transition. It also suggests that West African economies review their tariff lists and commit to clearly defined strategies of liberalisation that align with WTO rules within the framework of the AfCFTA. Furthermore, technical assistance and capacity building are essential for the continent to meet its goals under the AfCFTA, with support coming from third-party nations and within Africa itself.

License

This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License . Free to read, share, and adapt with attribution.