In this paper, there is an attempt to assess factors that pose as impediments to the creation of an effective regional block to maximize some of the benefits embedded in integrating regional economies to foster development in West Africa. For the past four decades, West Africa has been experimenting regional economic integration but progress has been slow and without significant results. Thus, there is a need for a more favorable environment for overall trade. The potential of ECOWAS in exploiting economies of scale and enhancing competition has been limited by a number of impediments such as trans-border movement, lack of monetary union, political divide especially with francophone countries still holding allegiance to France under the system of assimilation, protection of market by bigger States (protectionism), lack of institutional framework to champion the cause of economic integration and instability posing as security threat among other factors. Analysts have suggested adopting and replicating the EU model holds the key to overcome these impediments. A critical assessment of the EU model is made to ascertain which aspects of the EU model are adoptable and implementable for ECOWAS to be fully operational to bring about desired economic progress and development. However, the current EU crisis has given analysts a lot to think about and any other regional body (like ASEAN) that desires to pursue full integration. Currently, there are signs to show that some members want to secede from the union either voluntarily or by coercion. On the basis of this development, we outline certain measures as recommendations for ECOWAS.
Table of Contents
SECTION A: GENERAL OVERVIEW
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Rationale of this Study
1.3 Study Objectives
1.4 Scope, Methodology and Data Collection of this paper
1.5 Organization of the Paper
SECTION B: GLOBALISATION AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION: A RECIPE FOR DEVELOPMENT FOR ECOWAS MEMBER STATES
2.1 What is globalization and Regional Integration?
2.1.1 ECOWAS Regional Integration Model
2.1.2. Revival of Interest in Regional Integration in West Africa
2.2 What Factors Impedes Development among ECOWAS Member States
2.2.1 Challenges of Effective Integration among ECOWAS member States
2.2.2 What have been the Consequences of these impediments to ECOWAS and SSA Development?
SECTION C: OVERCOMING THESE IMPEDIMENTS: LEARNING FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION MODEL AND A SNAPSHOT OF THE BENEFITS
3.1 The EU model in Perspective
3.1.1 Political will and leadership, not just institutions matter
3.1.2 The need to be strategically selective and to sequence
3.1.3 Diversity and identity
3.1.4 Monetary union
3.1.5 Bringing the people along
3.2 Benefits of Regional Integration to the Development of ECOWAS member states?
3.2.1 Intra ECOWAS Community Trade
SECTION D: RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the factors impeding the success of ECOWAS in fostering economic development in West Africa through regional integration. By conducting a critical analysis of current barriers—such as colonial legacies, political instability, and infrastructure deficits—and comparing them with the European Union model, the study seeks to propose actionable strategies to enhance regional integration and improve living standards for the member states.
- The impact of globalization on West African economic development.
- Assessment of structural and political barriers to effective regional integration.
- Comparison of the ECOWAS framework with the European Union model.
- Strategic recommendations for overcoming intra-regional trade and policy hurdles.
Excerpt from the Book
2.2.1 Challenges of Effective Integration among ECOWAS member States
The originating concept of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which is to facilitate free movement of persons and goods within the West African sub-region, has remained largely elusive over time. Prioritization of national interests over larger regional interests by ECOWAS member states is the greatest obstacle to migration and socioeconomic integration in West Africa. We begin with these challenges by critically assessing the factors making trans-border migration and integration difficult. These challenges/impediments have been the main setback to the sub regional development regardless of the achievements of ECOWAS since its inception.
At its core, the ECOWAS looks to strengthen regional migration and the integration process, especially through its inter-governmental organizations and their activities. But migrating citizens within ECOWAS member states continue to experience routine intimidation and harassment by officials along the common borders. For instance, routine threats of arbitrary arrest and denial of passage if bribes are not paid are still common (Adeniran, 2010), even though the ECOWAS policy on a common passport for the entire sub-region has been in place since 2005 (Gheho, 2011: 1). Between Badagry (the exit point from Nigeria to Benin) and Noe (the entry point from Ghana to Cote d’Ivoire), there are an estimated 120 border posts and security check points, forcing individuals crossing these borders to switch intermittently from one official language to the other and exchange currencies several times across borders.
Summary of Chapters
SECTION A: GENERAL OVERVIEW: Provides an introduction to global development trends and establishes the rationale for studying regional integration as a mechanism for growth in West Africa.
SECTION B: GLOBALISATION AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION: A RECIPE FOR DEVELOPMENT FOR ECOWAS MEMBER STATES: Analyzes the theoretical aspects of globalization and identifies specific factors, such as institutional and political barriers, that hinder development in ECOWAS nations.
SECTION C: OVERCOMING THESE IMPEDIMENTS: LEARNING FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION MODEL AND A SNAPSHOT OF THE BENEFITS: Examines the European Union as a reference model for regional integration and discusses how its strategies regarding political will, leadership, and monetary union might apply to ECOWAS.
SECTION D: RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION: Proposes specific measures for ECOWAS to resolve its structural issues and reach its full economic potential through improved regional cooperation.
Keywords
Globalisation, Regional Integration, Development, ECOWAS, Impediments, EU model, Trade Liberalization, Economic Union, Monetary Cooperation, Political Will, Infrastructure, Sub-Saharan Africa, Poverty Reduction, Trans-border Movement, Structural Adjustment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the challenges faced by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in achieving effective regional integration and identifies the key factors that impede its goal of fostering economic development in West Africa.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The central themes include the impact of globalization on regional blocks, the comparison between the ECOWAS and EU integration models, the consequences of political and economic barriers on member states, and the role of leadership in driving regional success.
What is the main objective or research question?
The primary objective is to critically assess the impediments to regional integration in West Africa and provide actionable recommendations to overcome these barriers, using the European Union as a comparative reference point.
Which scientific methodology is utilized in this study?
The study primarily relies on a qualitative research approach, supplemented by descriptive data analysis gathered from secondary sources such as government documents, ECOWAS research papers, and library resources.
What topics are covered in the main body of the paper?
The main body covers definitions of globalization and regional integration, an assessment of specific impediments like trans-border migration and monetary challenges, a detailed analysis of the EU model, and an exploration of the benefits of intra-community trade.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The most relevant keywords are Globalisation, Regional Integration, Development, ECOWAS, Impediments, EU model, Trade Liberalization, Economic Union, and Monetary Cooperation.
How does colonial legacy affect the current integration efforts of ECOWAS?
The paper highlights that colonial affiliations, particularly the French system of assimilation and the resulting dichotomy between Anglophone and Francophone countries, create persistent barriers to unified policy and economic integration within the region.
What role does the Ejigbo-Yoruba ethnic network play in this study?
The study uses the Ejigbo-Yoruba network as a specific case study to illustrate how informal cross-border cooperation can succeed in achieving integration targets where formal institutional efforts have struggled.
What are the potential risks of the EU model according to the author?
The author notes that while the EU provides a useful reference, current crises within the EU—such as economic downturns in member countries like Greece and Spain—serve as a warning that ECOWAS must be cautious and evaluative when adopting external models.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Joseph Ato Forson (Autor:in), 2013, Globalisation and Development: Assessing Factors that impede Development among the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/214425
