Cross-border informal trade plays a significant role in regional integration efforts across Africa, particularly within Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Egypt's experience with regional integration provides valuable insights into how such informal trade dynamics might evolve or be managed. Qualitative research methods were employed through structured interviews with traders, government officials, and civil society representatives from both sides of the border in ECOWAS. A thematic analysis approach was used to interpret data collected over a period of six months. The findings indicate that approximately 30% of total cross-border trade in Egypt involves informal transactions, predominantly centred around agricultural products and textiles. These transactions often bypass formal regulatory frameworks, leading to economic disparities between border regions. This study highlights the need for harmonized policies and enforcement mechanisms at the regional level to address the challenges posed by informal cross-border trade within ECOWAS. Policy recommendations include strengthening border surveillance systems, promoting mutual recognition of standards across borders, and encouraging public-private partnerships to facilitate smoother trade processes while ensuring compliance with regulations. Cross-Border Trade, Regional Integration, Egypt, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Informal Economy
Ahmed El-Khairy (Sun,) studied this question.