Formal intra-regional trade in West Africa: its strengths and challenges in (...)

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Formal intra-regional trade in West Africa: its strengths and challenges in the face of globalization, by Moussiliou ALI Independent consultant

The process of globalization, in almost all areas of activity, particularly in the sectors of the economy, international trade and intra-regional is today a reality both irreversible and unavoidable. It is clear that this process involves challenges as well as opportunities and perspectives. Thus, in order to face these challenges, to seize the opportunities and to develop the perspectives in view, certain States regrouped in communities or sub-regional and regional organizations during the last three decades. This approach has enabled several countries to identify, develop and protect their diverse common interests at all levels. Hence the birth, in Africa, of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on May 28, 1975, of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) on January 10, 1994, of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) on 16 March 1994 and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on 17 August 1992.