(a) State two objectives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). (b) Identify four problems hindering the achievement of the objectives o...

(a) Two objectives of ECOWAS

• To promote economic co-operation and integration among member states, aiming at a common market and customs union.
• To ensure the free movement of people, goods, services and capital within the sub-region.
• To raise the standard of living of the people and promote joint development and collective self-reliance.

(b) Four problems hindering the achievement of the objectives of ECOWAS

• Language and colonial barriers: the mix of English, French and Portuguese-speaking members and differing loyalties to former colonial powers hinder unity.
• Similar economies: members produce similar primary goods and so compete rather than trade with one another.
• Poor transport and communication links between member states.
• Different currencies and payment problems between members.
• Political instability, wars and coups in some member states.
• Failure of members to pay contributions and to fully implement agreed protocols.
• Smuggling and mutual suspicion among members.

(c) Four ways the problems can be solved

• Adopt a common currency (e.g. the proposed ECO) to ease trade and payments.
• Improve transport and communication links across member states.
• Diversify member economies so they produce complementary rather than competing goods.
• Maintain peace and political stability, using bodies such as ECOMOG.
• Ensure prompt payment of contributions and full implementation of protocols such as free movement.
• Reduce over-dependence on former colonial powers and build genuine political commitment.