West African currency union: Impact on economic growth

In an attempt to accelerate the economic growth of West Africa, and the success made by the euro as a single currency inspired the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to propose "the eco" to serve as a common currency for member states. This thesis looked into the proposed currency Union and how its creation will impact on the economic growth of the region. The thesis applied a descriptive statistical analysis in line with the theories of the currency union, and also Europe being the pioneer of a common currency was also taken into consideration. Factors for establishing a currency union such as GDP, inflation rate, interest rate, and inter-trade between member countries were considered. So far, some countries have been able to achieve some convergence criteria like low inflation, low interest, and exchange rate. After reviewing the economic trends and other criteria needed for establishing a currency union area, the Economic Community of West African States should not proceed with the proposed eco currency and should consider the exchange rate and trade development to remove the imbalances that exist and also should address the issue of France who is trying to hijack the monetary sovereignty of the currency.