Growth and Structural Transformation In the Waemu Countries

Abstract

This chapter examines the extent to which the new economic growth that began in 2000 in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) has led to the structural transformation of member countries. To answer this question, four indicators of structural transformation are used: the share of final consumption in the gross national product, the share of each sector in total production, the decline of agricultural employment, and the diversification of the exports of WAEMU member countries. After discussing these indicators in greater detail, the chapter provides a background on WAEMU as well as the evolution of economic growth in member countries. It then considers the structural transformation of the WAEMU economies and presents a SWOT analysis emphasizing these economies’ principal strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities, and the threats to them. It also offers recommendations for removing obstacles to the structural transformation of the WAEMU economies.