Border Spaces and Regional Integration in ECOWAS


Authors : Adjimon Hermione Godonou; Pr Henri Ngoa Tabi

Volume/Issue : Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 1 - January

Google Scholar : http://tinyurl.com/5ddam5pz

Scribd : http://tinyurl.com/mrxkjcep

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10567049

Abstract : Assessing the social, political and economic contributions of border areas at national and/or regional level is at the heart of many studies on the process of regional integration. In Africa in general, and in West Africa in particular, border areas are complex and highly dynamic. This research proposes to determine their importance in the regional integration process within ECOWAS. It is based on a descriptive analysis of data from OECD/WAC studies of West African border areas. Through a quantitative and qualitative approach, the results revealed that West African border areas represent natural integration zones, or small-scale integration zones where numerous actors of diverse origins, nationalities, cultures and activities interact. However, they struggle to have a positive impact and to make a relevant and appreciable contribution to the process of regional integration at both national and regional levels.

Keywords : Border Areas; Regional Integration; ECOWAS; Transport Infrastructure; Energy Infrastructure.

Assessing the social, political and economic contributions of border areas at national and/or regional level is at the heart of many studies on the process of regional integration. In Africa in general, and in West Africa in particular, border areas are complex and highly dynamic. This research proposes to determine their importance in the regional integration process within ECOWAS. It is based on a descriptive analysis of data from OECD/WAC studies of West African border areas. Through a quantitative and qualitative approach, the results revealed that West African border areas represent natural integration zones, or small-scale integration zones where numerous actors of diverse origins, nationalities, cultures and activities interact. However, they struggle to have a positive impact and to make a relevant and appreciable contribution to the process of regional integration at both national and regional levels.

Keywords : Border Areas; Regional Integration; ECOWAS; Transport Infrastructure; Energy Infrastructure.

Never miss an update from Papermashup

Get notified about the latest tutorials and downloads.

Subscribe by Email

Get alerts directly into your inbox after each post and stay updated.
Subscribe
OR

Subscribe by RSS

Add our RSS to your feedreader to get regular updates from us.
Subscribe