History of West Africa

ECOWAS

• Established to promote economic integration and cooperation among West African countries
• Aims to create a single economic space, ensure economic stability, and improve living standards
• Objective is to promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and enhance economic competitiveness

Challenges of ECOWAS

• Inadequate infrastructure, including transportation and communication networks
• Limited financial resources and dependence on external aid
• Divergent economic policies and priorities among member states
• Security concerns, including terrorism and political instability

Achievements of ECOWAS

• Established a Common External Tariff (CET) to promote regional trade
• Implemented a free movement of goods and people protocol
• Created a West African Monetary Institute (WAMI) to facilitate economic integration

Transatlantic Slave Trade

• A system of slavery that existed from the 15th to the 19th century
• Millions of Africans were forcibly taken from their homes and sold into slavery
• Contributed to the depletion of African populations and disruption of social structures

Social Institution

• A social structure that is established to meet the needs of a society
• Examples include family, education, and religion
• Plays a crucial role in shaping social norms, values, and behaviors

Colonization

• A process by which a country or nation establishes and maintains control over another country or nation
• Often involves the exploitation of resources, labor, and markets
• Led to the suppression of indigenous cultures and languages

Nationalism

• A political ideology that emphasizes the importance of national identity and independence
• Often arises in response to foreign rule or oppression
• Can lead to the development of a unified national identity and a desire for self-determination