In West Africa, approximately 16 million people depend directly or indirectly on cotton cultivation. Cotton plays a vital role in the economic and social development of many countries, and in improving the livelihoods of the inhabitants. It has also enabled West Africa to become a major player...

In West Africa, approximately 16 million people depend directly or indirectly on cotton cultivation. But subsidies in the developed world have suppressed cotton prices and have made it difficult for West African producers to compete. Compounding the problem, WTO negotiations on the problem have...

Economic integration in West Africa is a major political objective for all the States in the region and is supported by the main economic players in the region. The weight of Nigeria -- which accounts for 50% of the regional economy -- the many constraints to formal trade, linguistic barriers,...

This publication explores current global security issues, their development in West Africa and their potential impact on regional stability. It takes a close look at issues such as terrorism and trafficking, climate change, and the links between “security and development”. Some of these...

This note discusses how policies on trade, manufacturing and intellectual property can speed up Africa’s response, focusing on enabling access to medical devices and drugs in four critical areas: testing, protecting, treating and curing (TPTC). For each area, the note provides a snapshot of...

This book demonstrates how the growing economic power of China and India is already influencing the growth patterns of African countries, particularly oil- and commodities-exporting ones. As world prices for commodities rise, producer countries in Africa and throughout the world will gain, but...