Explain the problems facing the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS).

Answer Details

Problems facing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

1. Language and colonial differences. The division into Anglophone, Francophone and Lusophone states creates communication barriers and divergent loyalties, especially the strong ties of French-speaking members to France.
2. Multiple and overlapping currencies. The absence of a single convertible currency (the CFA franc versus national currencies) hampers trade and payments among members.
3. Political instability. Frequent coups, civil wars and insurgencies disrupt cooperation and force the community to divert resources to peacekeeping (for example ECOMOG in Liberia and Sierra Leone).
4. Similar, competing economies. Most members export the same primary products and import manufactures, so they compete rather than complement one another, limiting intra-regional trade.
5. Poor infrastructure. Inadequate roads, railways, ports and telecommunications linking member states obstruct the free movement of goods and persons.
6. Inadequate funding and unpaid dues. Members often default on their financial contributions, starving the Secretariat and its programmes of funds.
7. Smuggling and protectionism. Some states protect local industries and revenue by restricting the free-trade and free-movement protocols, encouraging smuggling.
8. Fear of Nigerian dominance. Nigeria's size and economic weight make smaller members wary of domination, breeding suspicion and reluctance to integrate fully.
9. Loyalty to external bodies. Continued membership of the Franc Zone and preferential ties to the EU dilute commitment to ECOWAS.