The European Union (EU), in the context of the Cotonou and Post-Cotonou Agreements, aimed to replace its unilateral preferential trading arrangements with African, Caribbean and Pacific countries with reciprocal although asymmetrical, trade agreements, known as Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs).
International Economics Consulting Ltd. (IEC), with funding from the GIZ, conducted a study aimed at identifying the impacts of EPAs on Africa’s regional integration process, especially with regard to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). In particular, the study will assess the alignment of tariffs between ECOWAS and the EPAs signed by Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire and the alignment of Rules of Origin.