Impact of the conflict in Cote d'ivoire on the economies of some countries in the sub-region of West Africa

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the immediate and foreseeable effects of the Ivorian crisis on the economies of the sub-region, with a special emphasis on cases of the most affected economies. Moreover, the study was also to examine and propose options and mechanisms making it possible to mitigate the short-term effects of the crisis and to restore a normal economic situation in the countries concerned and in the sub-region as a whole. The study was conducted in two phases: a field mission for data collection in Ouagadougou, Bamako, Conakry, Cotonou and Lome; and an analytical phase including the drafting of report. The study confirms the dominant position and strategic importance of the Ivorian economy in West Africa, with 13% of GDP of ECOWAS and 38% of that of UEMOA (200 I). The estimate and the forecasts in case of persistence of the crisis in Cote d'Ivoire evaluate this share at 37% and 35% of DEMOA's GDP in 2002 and 2003 respectively.