Nation-states and the challenges of regional integration in West Africa

Nation-states and the challenges of regional integration in West Africa PDF Author: Kwame A. Ninsin
Publisher: KARTHALA Editions
ISBN: 2811101667
Category : Africa, West
Languages : en
Pages : 170

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Book Description
Since the Treaty establishing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was signed in 1975, several protocole have been adopted providing the legal and institutional framework for implementing the integration of the West African sub-region. Ail social and political stakeholders agree that regional integration is a major challenge for development in West Africa. Yet the regional integration process has been affected by many delays, even failures. Member states have pursued a seemingly contradictory dual objective: build a Nation-state within colonial Borders and achieve regional integration to fight against under-development. Can national planning priorities be reconciled with the demands and objectives of regional integration processes in West Africa ? Since 2005, under the auspices of the Management of Social Transformations (MOST) Programme initiative, the Social and Human Sciences Sector of UNESCO has organized a series of national seminars on West African regional integration in the ECOWAS region. Four seminars have so far been organized in Senegal, Mali, Benin and Ghana. This anthology publishes papers presented at Ghana's national seminar on "Nation-states and the Challenge of Regional Integration in West Africa: the Case of Ghana", held in Accra from 8 to 9 November 2005. The contributors suggest that Ghana's reluctance to relinquish its sovereignty stemmed from a lack of commitment in the first 20 years of ECOWAS' existence and preoccupation with its own security and survival against internai and externat threats. The state has currently demonstrated renewed commit-ment by establishing a Ministry of Regional Cooperation and the New Agenda for Africa's Development (NEPAD) to coordinate and manage the sub-regional integration programme. In spite of positive developments, results have been disappointing. The new ministry remains isolated and is constrained by limited resources in finance and manpower. Its approach to integration issues has been elitist and technocratic, concentrating on format trade and ignoring the importance of the informai trade that has been the traditional means of popular participation in the integration of West African economies. Borderland communities with economic and social ties continue to engage in exchanges across political boundaries in defiance of national and state security concerns. Empowerment of Ghanaians involved in small-scale, informa] cross-border trade (in majority, women) "would not only increase the levels of social and economic integration, but would make the benefits of integration available to large sections of the population".

Nation-states and the challenges of regional integration in West Africa

Nation-states and the challenges of regional integration in West Africa PDF Author: Kwame A. Ninsin
Publisher: KARTHALA Editions
ISBN: 2811101667
Category : Africa, West
Languages : en
Pages : 170

Get Book

Book Description
Since the Treaty establishing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was signed in 1975, several protocole have been adopted providing the legal and institutional framework for implementing the integration of the West African sub-region. Ail social and political stakeholders agree that regional integration is a major challenge for development in West Africa. Yet the regional integration process has been affected by many delays, even failures. Member states have pursued a seemingly contradictory dual objective: build a Nation-state within colonial Borders and achieve regional integration to fight against under-development. Can national planning priorities be reconciled with the demands and objectives of regional integration processes in West Africa ? Since 2005, under the auspices of the Management of Social Transformations (MOST) Programme initiative, the Social and Human Sciences Sector of UNESCO has organized a series of national seminars on West African regional integration in the ECOWAS region. Four seminars have so far been organized in Senegal, Mali, Benin and Ghana. This anthology publishes papers presented at Ghana's national seminar on "Nation-states and the Challenge of Regional Integration in West Africa: the Case of Ghana", held in Accra from 8 to 9 November 2005. The contributors suggest that Ghana's reluctance to relinquish its sovereignty stemmed from a lack of commitment in the first 20 years of ECOWAS' existence and preoccupation with its own security and survival against internai and externat threats. The state has currently demonstrated renewed commit-ment by establishing a Ministry of Regional Cooperation and the New Agenda for Africa's Development (NEPAD) to coordinate and manage the sub-regional integration programme. In spite of positive developments, results have been disappointing. The new ministry remains isolated and is constrained by limited resources in finance and manpower. Its approach to integration issues has been elitist and technocratic, concentrating on format trade and ignoring the importance of the informai trade that has been the traditional means of popular participation in the integration of West African economies. Borderland communities with economic and social ties continue to engage in exchanges across political boundaries in defiance of national and state security concerns. Empowerment of Ghanaians involved in small-scale, informa] cross-border trade (in majority, women) "would not only increase the levels of social and economic integration, but would make the benefits of integration available to large sections of the population".

Nation-states and the Challenges of Regional Integration in West Africa

Nation-states and the Challenges of Regional Integration in West Africa PDF Author: Yomi Akinyeye
Publisher: KARTHALA Editions
ISBN: 2811103384
Category : Africa, West
Languages : en
Pages : 266

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Book Description
Since their independance, Africa states West in particular have felt a need for regional integration in order to solve their development problems. Various aspects of Nigeria's experience in regional integration are there examined. These include the advocacy of chambers of commerce for common currencies among members of the West African Monetary Zone, security implications of defense pacts between some francophone member countries and France, and grassroots participation to solve problems concerning borders and borderlands. Finally, facilitators and obstacles of regional integration are examined.

Nation-States and the Challenges of Regional Integration in West Africa. The case of Gambia

Nation-States and the Challenges of Regional Integration in West Africa. The case of Gambia PDF Author:
Publisher: KARTHALA Editions
ISBN: 2811131515
Category :
Languages : fr
Pages : 146

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Book Description
The central position of the Gambia inside the territory of Senegal, which it cuts almost in two, represents one of the main challenges that both countries must address before thinking of any integration within the larger space of ECOWAS. This is why relations between the Gambia and Senegal were the main theme of topics presented at the national seminar held during two days in Banjul, namely the contradiction of two States sharing the same culture on both sides of their common borders. The seminar held in the Gambia was one of a series of national policy research dialogues, organized between 2005 and 2008 by the Social and Human Sciences Sector of UNESCO, with a view to bringing decision-makers, academics, civil society and others actors together to think about regional integration. Research must proceed and continue alongside the concrete process of making integration happen on the ground.

Nation-States and the challenges of Regional Integration in West Africa

Nation-States and the challenges of Regional Integration in West Africa PDF Author: David J. Francis
Publisher:
ISBN: 9782811116675
Category : Africa, West
Languages : en
Pages : 188

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Book Description
The positive role of ECOWAS and its military-security arm ECOMOG in bringing to an end the decade-long bloody civil war in Sierra Leone, restoring democratic governance and the rule of law, has brought to the fore the value, legitimacy and impact of regional integration and co-operation in West Africa. Insimple terms, ECOWAS and ECOMOG are widely (though not universally) acclaimed as "saviours" and "heroes" in Sierra Leone. But despite this popular acclaim, no serious effort has been made by researchers, political actors, policy practitioners or regional leaders to engage, on a long-term basis, with how regional integration could be used as an engine of national and regional development, faced with the opportunities and challenges of contemporary globalisation ; how to identify the critical everyday issues that affect the human and societal security of the local populace ; or how to use the regional integration processes to find solutions to the myriad problems faced on a daily basis by people of the sub-region. Infact, as Sierra Leone celebrates the 50th anniversary of political independence from British colonial rule, there is a noticeable absence of any focus on ECOWAS and West African integration and co-operation by the political leaders and academic community. The general lack of policy dialogue and critical engagement among researchers, political actors, policy practitioners and regional leaders has made it difficult, if not impossible, for rigorous evidence-based research to influence policy on the West African integration processes. Under the auspices of UNESCO's Management of Social Transformations (MOSn Programme, a series of multidisciplinary seminars took place in each of the fifteen ECOWAS states to foster dialogue between resear chers and political, economic, and social decision-makers for a better understanding of the issues at stake. This book is the result of one such seminar, and of a series of separately commissioned papers by Sierra Leonean researchers from diverse disciplinary backgrounds. Edited by Professor David Francis, Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford, it is based on extensive field research over a number of years, the assessment of primary source and secondary materials relating to ECOWAS integration, as well as to Sierra Leone's foreign, security and development policy approach to regional integration and cooperation.

Regional Integration in West Africa

Regional Integration in West Africa PDF Author: Eswar Prasad
Publisher: Brookings Institution Press
ISBN: 0815738544
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 203

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Book Description
" Assessing the potential benefits and risks of a currency union Leaders of the fifteen-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have set a goal of achieving a monetary and currency union by late 2020. Although some progress has been made toward achieving this ambitious goal, major challenges remain if the region is to realize the necessary macroeconomic convergence and establish the required institutional framework in a relatively short period of time. The proposed union offers many potential benefits, especially for countries with historically high inflation rates and weak central banks. But, as implementation of the euro over the past two decades has shown, folding multiple currencies, representing disparate economies, into a common union comes with significant costs, along with operational challenges and transitional risks. All these potential negatives must be considered carefully by ECOWAS leaders seeking tomeet a self-imposed deadline. This book, by two leading experts on economics and Africa, makes a significant analytical contribution to the debates now under way about how ECOWAS could achieve and manage its currency union, andthe ramifications for the African continent. "

Nation-states and the Challenges of Regional Integration in West Africa

Nation-states and the Challenges of Regional Integration in West Africa PDF Author: Joseph Saye Guannu
Publisher: KARTHALA Editions
ISBN: 2811103503
Category : Africa, West
Languages : en
Pages : 122

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Book Description


Regionalism and Integration in West Africa

Regionalism and Integration in West Africa PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Africa, West
Languages : en
Pages : 146

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Book Description


Regional Integration and Policy Challenges in Africa

Regional Integration and Policy Challenges in Africa PDF Author: A. Elhiraika
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 1137462086
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 359

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Book Description
The role of integration as a catalyst for economic growth, development and insulation from global shocks has made the concept of regional integration even more attractive to states. This books contains compelling arguments and empirical observations that detail some of the key opportunities governments in Africa are pursuing.

"Towards a Better Regional Approach to Development in West Africa"

Author: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Publisher: OECD Publishing
ISBN:
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 158

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Book Description
This publication contains the proceedings of a special meeting, held in Accra, Ghana in May 2002 and organised under the co-chairmanship of the Presidents of Mali and Ghana, to discuss developments in regional integration in the West African region. The meeting focuses on four themes: globalisation, regionalisation and the crisis of nation-states; cross-border areas; market access and trade development; and the future for the region, particularly regarding the implementation of the New Partnerships for Africas Development (NEPAD) strategy.

Regional Integration and Migration in Africa

Regional Integration and Migration in Africa PDF Author: Vusi Gumede
Publisher: BRILL
ISBN: 9004411224
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 206

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Book Description
This comparative book debates migration and regional integration in the two regional economic blocs, namely the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The book takes a historical and nuanced citizenship approach to integration by analysing regional integration from the perspective of non-state actors and how they negotiate various structures and institutions in their pursuit for life and livelihood in a contemporary context marked by mobility and economic fragmentation.