Four cross-border pilot operations have been launched within the framework of the ECOWAS Cross-Border Initiatives Programme since 2005.

The pilot operations aim to improve the living conditions of cross-border populations who are often marginalised; and to concretely build regional co-operation. They focus on the understanding of cross-border realties and the creation of local-regional networks. Actions are formulated and implemented by private and public local actors from two or more countries residing in these cross-border areas.

Outcomes of these pilot operations as well as interviews and testimonies of local actors are regularly presented within the Cross-Border Diaries, a bulletin on local regional cross-border realities in West Africa.

The following cross-border areas are covered:

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Sikasso, Korhogo and Bobo Dioulasso form a triangular intersection of production and circulation of people and trade. The three towns, located 400 km from large urban centres (Bamako, Bouaké, Ouagadougou), possess the intrinsic dynamics necessary for autonomous development. This development is supported by cultural unity between Voltaic, Sénoufo and Bobo, with the age-old presence, in trade and power, of the Dioula minority. Finally, regional planning based on industrial agriculture and regional trade can be seen through the dominating industry: cotton. Would synergies between some key sectors provide an answer where national strategies have otherwise failed? 

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A geographic area straddling continental and oceanic influences, lying between the Senegalo-Mauritanian and Futa Djallon land formations, various populations have been attracted to the “river countries of the south”. Colonisation established political borders that divided the area into three linguistic groups and different administrative systems. Recent trends in migration reflect the contrasts in the region between the rich economic potential and existing political tensions. Today, there are few links between the economies of the three constituent parts of Sénégambie méridionale (The Gambia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau) despite their complementarities in terms of production systems and shared natural resources. If one were to attempt to measure the interconnections between the land, inhabitants and activities of this southern river region, one would have to assert that there is great potential for cross-border integration.

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"Haussa country" extends over 83 000 km2 and includes more than 50 million inhabitants, astride Nigeria and Niger. The towns of Maradi (Niger) Katsina-Kano (Nigeria) constitute one of the oldest development corridors, for centuries open to the Gulf of Guinea, North Africa and the Middle East. With a dense urban network organised around the built-up area of Kano, it illustrates the Niger economy’s polarisation by Nigeria all along the 1500 km border. Favorable to industrialization, its development relies on the cultural homogeneity of the haussa people. Commerical trade is robust: cattle from Niger, cereal and manufactured products from Nigeria or even products re-exported towards Nigeria through Cotonou, and the border hub of Malanville-Gaya. 

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The Karakoro basin, the "great lake" in Soninké, takes it source from the foothillls south of Assaba and flows into the Senegal River in Guidimakha (Mauritania). Along the 150 km, or 3/4 of its length, the wadi constitutes a natural border between Mauritania and Mali. The basin extends over 25 000 km² (with 250 000 inhabitants). Situated in the pre-Sahelian zone, its high rainfall is favourable to agro pastoralism. Streaked with numerous watercourses, moving around is difficult during the rainy season, notwithstanding the constant human mobility (Fulas, Soninkés and Maures) which has always characterised this area. Economic trade across the three borders (including Senegal) is centered on cattle, agricultural or manufactured products. These dynamics are intensified with the decentralisation and consultation processes underway on the joint management of the Karakoro basin.

> download the Information sheet  | detailed presentation (upcoming)