Trade integration in WAEMU: Why does the weakness of trade between member countries still persist?

Despite longstanding efforts to establish a common market, intra-regional trade within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) remains consistently weak. In the context, this paper investigates the determinants of intra-WAEMU trade to clarify the persistent weakness of intra-regional trade. Using annual data on intra-WAEMU exports, along with macroeconomic, infrastructural, and institutional indicators for the eight WAEMU countries covering the period 2005–2024, a gravitational model based on the PPML estimator method is applied to identify the main factors influencing trade within the WAEMU. The empirical analysis demonstrates that, in addition to traditional gravity variables such as GDP, distance, and common language, the quality of transport and ICT infrastructure, as well as perceptions of corruption, significantly affect intra-regional trade. These findings suggest that WAEMU policymakers should prioritise improvements in these areas to enhance trade among member countries. • Weak WAEMU trade continues despite integration efforts. • Limited transport, ICT, and electricity infrastructure obstruct trade within WAEMU. • Corruption in importing countries significantly hampers trade flows. • Landlockedness and distance raise trade costs within the union. • Need to implement policies against corruption and infrastructure development.