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Background | Methodological Approach | Key Questions | Objectives | Activities & Results | Projects in 2008 | Documents & Contacts
 Background
West Africans must be able to imagine and anticipate their future while at the same time respond to the challenges it is facing today. The population in West Africa has grown from 40 million in 1930 to 290 million in 2005, with currently more than 55% of its population under 20 years old. This trend should continue for the next few decades. This explains the emphasis on medium and long-term development perspectives for the region. The purpose is not to predict the future but rather to help develop vision(s) of the desirable future(s) for the region and, in so doing, contribute to building the future.
Methodological Approach
The Medium and Long-term Development Perspectives Unit, under the leadership of Mr. Raymond Weber, Head of Unit, works with SWAC's African partners on documenting the region's capacities to adapt, innovate and grow in a globalised world by mapping field-level dynamics and regional trends, notably with regard to the region's resources to address issues of human security, regional integration and socio-economic and political development. The Unit takes a participatory, multi-disciplinary approach using strategic thinking and prospective analyses as a tool for policy dialogue and decision-making.
Key Questions
- Where is West Africa coming from? What is its position today?
- What are the desirable and possible futures for the region?
- What are the new partnerships to establish for a better future for the region?
- How should ECOWAS’ role evolve within the regional, continental and global context and in its complementarity with other regional, continental and international organisations?
Objectives
- Contribute to a better understanding of the region among development partners and the emergence of medium and long-term development perspectives of West Africa
- Contribute to debates, information exchange and the mobilisation of West African actors in regional integration whether they be public, private or civil
- Participate in the elaboration of strategies for sustainable development in the region
Activities & Results
- Symposium in celebration of ECOWAS’ 30th anniversary on “Development Perspectives of the Region, Regional Integration and the Evolution of ECOWAS’ role”
- Thematic SPG Meeting on “Regional Development Perspectives in West Africa”, in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), 29 June 2006
- Contributions to the “Atlas on Regional Integration in West Africa”; The Development Perspectives Unit has actively participated in the work undertaken on the Atlas, notably concerning cotton, the vulnerable Sahelian zone, migration, relations between Africa and China and the rural environment
- Working Document on “West Africa: a region in movement, an evolving region, a region in the process of integration” (French), elaborated upon the request of ECOWAS as reference to facilitate exchanges and discussions at the ECOWAS Commission Retreat
Projects in 2008
The Unit's Work plan is currently updated and will soon be completed.
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2007-2008 West Africa Report