Theory question 106
West Africa and ECOWAS(a) State two objectives of the Economics Community of West African States (ECOWAS). (b) Identify four problems hindering the achievement of the objectives of ECOWAS. (c) In what four ways can the problems identified in 6(b) above be solved?
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(a) Promote economic co-operation and integration; promote trade among members (remove tariffs, customs union); free movement of people, goods and services; develop transport and communication links; common currency; promote peace and security.
(b) Language differences; different currencies; political instability and different ideologies; poor transport and communication; non-payment of dues; strong colonial ties and rival blocs (e.g. UEMOA); similar products; fear of domination by bigger members; smuggling; cumbersome border controls.
(c) Improve transport and communication links; political stability and good governance; prompt payment of dues; common currency; teaching of English and French in schools; diversification of economies; implementation of agreed protocols; simpler travel documents and border controls; more commitment to ECOWAS.
Pair each solution with a problem.