Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have implemented a 0.5% levy on goods imported from Nigeria and other ECOWAS nations as they move to solidify their newly formed economic alliance.
In a statement, the three governments confirmed that the tariff was approved on Friday and is now in effect. While it applies to all imports from external sources, humanitarian aid is exempt.
The revenue generated will be used to finance activities of their breakaway economic bloc, though specifics were not provided.
This development signals a significant shift in West African trade, dismantling decades of free trade under ECOWAS.
It has also highlighted the increasing political and economic divide between the Sahel states and more established democracies like Nigeria and Ghana.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have implemented a 0.5% levy on goods imported from Nigeria and other ECOWAS nations as they move to solidify their newly formed economic alliance.
Following military takeovers in 2023, the trio initially formed the Alliance of Sahel States for defence cooperation.
Over time, it has expanded into an economic initiative aimed at strengthening military and financial ties, with plans to introduce biometric passports.
The countries left ECOWAS last year, accusing it of failing to support them against Islamist militants.
ECOWAS responded with sanctions intended to push them toward a return to constitutional rule, but these measures have had limited success.