Appraising the Monetary Union of the West African Sub-Region and Its Ensuing Implications

Abstract

There is an ongoing discourse with respect to whether or not the West African Sub Region needs a monetary Union as part of its drive towards a more robust economy and the integration of its people. This discourse is without borders, as it has seen experts from all over the world share their thoughts with respect to this issue. Why is west Africa an important region in global politics and why has immense international attention with respect to her fiscal decisions raised eyebrows? The idea of a Monetary Union as canvassed by the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) through her various institutions and the proposed Launch of the ‘Eco’, which was recently adopted as the name for the proposed currency, at the 55th Ordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, is one of the reasons for this international attention. ECOWAS will not be the first to float a Monetary Union, as there are other regions of the world with various forms of monetary union. Analysts have argued that west Africa does not need a Single Currency, stating that there are other ways by which the region can meet its intended goal without having to float a uniformed currency regime. Others have argued that it is imperative that a monetary union be launched as soon as possible if the sub-region is to indeed achieve maximum integration of its people and shake off completely, the shackles of Colonialism.The purpose of this article is to examine whether,given the current political and economic realities, the west African sub-region needs a monetary union, while pointing out the importance of a monetary union for the region, with recommendations for policy framers. All these are imperative if indeed the benefits accompanying a monetary union vis-a-vis a single currency,are to be effectively harnessed by west Africa.