(b) Outline any four problems of economic integration in West Africa.
This question was the least attempted from this paper. Candidates were required to explain the forms of economic integration and to outline four problems of economic integration in West Africa. The few candidates that attempted it were unable to explain the forms of economic integration and some mistook one for the other in the (a) part and could not really expatiate their points in the (b) part of the question. Few candidates that attempted this question scored below average marks.
These candidates were expected to state the following answers in the (a) and (b) parts of the question to score good marks:
(a) (i) Free trade area - Members agree to remove trade restrictions among
themselves, but impose non-uniform restrictions against
non- members.
(ii) Customs union - Members agree to remove trade restrictions among
themselves, but impose common external tariffs against non members.
(iii) Common market - This type of integration harmonizes taxations, social and
economic policies of member countries. It allows free movement of factors of production within the union.
(iv) Economic union - It combines the characteristics of a common market with
the use of a common currency in which members share the responsibility of management.
(b) (i) Loyalty/ties to former colonial masters.
(ii) Disparities in levels of development.
(iii) Low basis for trade since countries produce similar goods .
(iv) Poor infrastructural development.
(v) Ideological differences.
(vi) Differences in language and currency.
(vii) Lack of political will.
- Differences in the fiscal and monetary policies of countries .
- Political instability.
- Inadequate capital.
