(a) Outline any three achievements of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) since its formation (b) What five problems are facing the ECOWA...

Answer Details

(a) Three achievements of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

• Introduction of the ECOWAS travel certificate/passport and removal of visa requirements, allowing free movement of member citizens within the region.
• Reduction and removal of tariffs on many goods through a trade liberalisation scheme, boosting inter-state trade.
• Establishment of a peace-keeping force (ECOMOG) that helped restore peace in member states such as Liberia and Sierra Leone.
• Cooperation in projects on roads, telecommunications and energy linking member states.

(b) Five problems facing ECOWAS

• Different official languages (English, French, Portuguese) hinder communication and unity.
• Similarity of products: members produce and export similar raw materials, so there is little to trade among them.
• Different currencies and lack of a common currency complicate trade and payments.
• Poor transport and communication links between member countries.
• Political instability, coups and border disputes among members.
• Loyalty to former colonial powers and outside trade partners weakens commitment to the community.