The purpose of this work is to give readers the key to understanding the reality of exchanges between West African countries engaged in the regionalization process since 1975. The analysis is based on recent developments in theories economic (factorial and institutional deficiencies, transaction costs) and stylized facts relating to trade flows and export and import supply capacities. The presentation showed that international trade is not a reliable source of financing the development of West African countries that export products in their raw state. The divergent economies of these states still remain trapped in their state of underdevelopment. The two major challenges to trade opening are the EPAs and the AfCFTA. These themes were treated in a dispassionate manner to decode preconceived ideas. Their review highlighted benefits that outweigh costs. Finally, the authors explored possible solutions by issuing trade policy recommendations aimed at creating the conditions for the emergence of cross-trade in West Africa.