Transport and communications development for subregional integration in West Africa

Abstract

One of the priorities identified by West African leaders in their efforts to establish a large and viable subregional economic zone is physical integration of the subregion, in order to facilitate and ensure free movement of persons, goods and services in the said zone through the establishment of integrated and modem transport and communications systems. The serious impediments to inter-State communications in West Africa have prompted the Economic Commission for Africa to include in its 1998/1999 work programme a seminar on detailed examination of the agenda for the development of physical infrastructure in the subregion. The meeting, which is meant for policymakers in this field, aims at sensitizing the latter on the importance of an integrated policy for transport and communications systems in West Africa.