Final answer:
ECOWAS was formed by 15 West African states to promote economic integration and cooperation, working towards various levels of economic integration. It contributes to regional trade, security, and industry, and as part of the African Union, it supports African countries in the international marketplace.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was established by 15 West African states in 1975 with the aim to foster economic cooperation and regional integration among its member countries. ECOWAS can integrate into various levels of economic integration, such as a free trade area, a customs union, a common market, and potentially, an economic and monetary union. These levels allow for the elimination of trade barriers among member states, the creation of a common external tariff, free movement of resources, and coordination of economic policies.
The formation of ECOWAS aligns with the efforts by African countries to improve their position in the international marketplace, which became more structured with the establishment of the African Union in 2001. ECOWAS has since worked toward enhancing regional trade, security, and industry, and it continues to play a significant role in addressing international externalities through partnerships between high-income and low-income countries, aligning with global efforts for economic development and biodiversity.