Correct Option: A. Regional Free Trade Explanation of the Correct Answer The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was established in 1975 with the primary goal of promoting economic integration and cooperation among its member states. The main economic goal of ECOWAS is to achieve regional free trade. This means that ECOWAS aims to eliminate trade barriers among its member countries, allowing for the free movement of goods, services, and capital across borders.

1. Promotion of Trade: By establishing a free trade area, ECOWAS seeks to enhance intra-regional trade, which is crucial for economic growth and development. This is particularly important in West Africa, where many countries have similar economic structures and can benefit from trading with one another.
2. Economic Growth: Free trade within the region can lead to increased competition, which often results in lower prices for consumers and a wider variety of goods and services. This can stimulate economic growth and development in member states.
3. Regional Integration: The goal of regional free trade is also tied to broader objectives of regional integration, which includes not just economic cooperation but also political stability and social cohesion among member states.
4. Support for Development: By facilitating trade, ECOWAS aims to support the development of less economically advanced member states, helping them to integrate into the global economy and improve their economic conditions.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect B. Multilateral Trade: - While ECOWAS does engage in multilateral trade agreements, its primary focus is on regional integration and free trade among its member states. Multilateral trade typically refers to trade agreements involving multiple countries outside of a specific regional context, which is not the main goal of ECOWAS. C. Bilateral Trade: - Bilateral trade involves trade agreements between two countries. Although ECOWAS member states may engage in bilateral trade, the overarching goal of ECOWAS is to create a regional framework for trade that encompasses all member states, rather than focusing on individual country agreements. D. Economic Self-Reliance: - Economic self-reliance refers to a country’s ability to sustain itself economically without relying heavily on external assistance. While this is an important goal for many nations, it is not the primary focus of ECOWAS. The organization is more concerned with fostering interdependence among member states through trade and economic cooperation. Summary of Key Points

• ECOWAS's main goal is to achieve regional free trade among its member states.
• Free trade promotes economic growth, competition, and consumer benefits.
• Regional integration is essential for political stability and social cohesion.
• Other options (multilateral trade, bilateral trade, economic self-reliance) do not align with ECOWAS's primary focus on regional cooperation and trade.

This understanding of ECOWAS's goals is crucial for grasping the broader context of economic cooperation in West Africa and the importance of trade in fostering development in the region.