Problems of economic integration in West Africa.

Avogan, Mathias Kuami (1971) Problems of economic integration in West Africa. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (11MB)

Abstract

The last two decades have witnessed increased concern about economic development. The endeavours in the struggle against underdevelopment have led to some successes and achievements. However, problems of underdevelopment and poverty remain unsolved. -- The countries in the third world would find better prospects for their development in instituting large, coherent, regional economic systems. This is so because integration would create for them larger markets for a greater productive capacity. -- The West African leaders seem to understand that their condition of underdevelopment compels them to adopt a program of economic integration that would promote development. However, up to the present time, the West African nations have had very little success even with the planning stages for economic integration, and the future is uncertain. The advantages that a regionally integrated market offers West Africa are considerable. -- This study is an inquiry into the problems of integration in West Africa and the contributions a fourteen country economic community would make to the development of the region, and needless to say, the individual countries. -- West African nations are reluctant to take part fully in this regional undertaking. They seem to be paying only lip-service to the formation of a regional economic community. The difficulties they consider serious problems are for the most part minor obstacles that would be wiped away as they start implementing a programme of coherent integrated development that would secure benefits for each sovereign state. Economic integration once begun, it can be argued, is likely to soften some of the political rivalries that stand in the way of economic development. -- There are a number of benefits to be gained by regional integration: larger markets and better opportunities for regional specialization, a protected environment for growth of infant industries. This study presents a list of industries that are capable of development within the context of a West African Economic Community and tries to suggest the proper regional location for some of these industries.

Actions (login required)

View Item