Will ECOWAS’ Single Currency unify West Africa or remain a dream? Despite Nigeria’s endorsement and potential benefits, the ECO faces economic, political, and logistical challenges

The aspiration to unite West Africa under a single currency, the ECO, has been a tantalizing vision for over two decades. This ambitious plan, now endorsed by Nigeria, aims to foster economic growth, streamline trade, and bolster monetary stability across the 15 ECOWAS member states. The path to this economic revolution, however, is fraught with challenges and skepticism.

Currency Unification: A Game Changer or a Pipe Dream?

ECOWAS’ journey towards a single currency began in earnest after the successful introduction of the euro in 2000, providing a live demonstration that a central currency could work. Despite the promising outlook, the road has been rocky. The initiative has been postponed six times, with each delay threatening to erode the project’s credibility .

Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors from the member states have now agreed on the modalities for launching the ECO, signaling a renewed commitment to economic integration. Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, underscored the potential of the ECO to reshape the region’s economic landscape, emphasizing that it goes beyond being just a currency, but rather a cornerstone of economic integration .

Economic Independence or Neo-Colonial Hangover?

The ECO promises economic independence from the French treasury and the European Central Bank, which currently control the CFA franc used by eight ECOWAS countries. Critics argue that the CFA franc is a relic of neocolonialism, and a single currency could finally break these chains. However, the path to ECO adoption is not without its hurdles. The stringent conditions set by the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) – such as maintaining a single-digit inflation rate and a fiscal deficit of no more than 4% of GDP – have been tough to meet. So far, only Ghana has managed to fulfill these criteria .

Anglophone-Francophone Divide: The Elephant in the Room

The ECO initiative has exposed deep-seated rifts within ECOWAS, particularly between anglophone and francophone countries. In 2020, the anglophone bloc, including Nigeria and Ghana, rejected the currency, citing unilateral decisions by francophone countries that were “not in line with decisions of the Authority of Heads of States and Governments of ECOWAS” . This division underscores the challenge of achieving a balanced union, given the economic disparities among member states.

Nigeria, which boasts the highest GDP in Africa, is set to dominate the monetary union, a prospect that raises concerns among other ECOWAS nations. Despite Nigeria’s endorsement, it has proposed five “non-negotiable” terms for adopting the ECO, highlighting its cautious approach to the initiative .

Eco or Echo: Is the Currency Really Necessary?

Some economists argue that ECOWAS could achieve greater trade and financial integration without a common currency. The recent introduction of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) by Nigeria and Ghana has also cast doubt on the necessity of the ECO. These moves suggest a lack of faith in the single currency project, further complicating its future .

A Future Paved with Challenges and Hope

The vision for the ECO remains a beacon of hope for economic integration in West Africa. Yet, the path to its realization is strewn with economic, political, and logistical hurdles. As ECOWAS members prepare for the 2027 roll-out, the world watches with bated breath: Will the ECO become a cornerstone of economic stability, or will it remain an elusive dream? Only time will tell.

“The vision for the ECO extends beyond a mere currency. It aspires to become a cornerstone of economic integration, streamlining trade and bolstering monetary stability across the region” .

In the pursuit of change, ECOWAS stands at a crossroads, with the potential to redefine the economic future of West Africa. Right steps today, for a better Africa tomorrow.