West Africa: Continental engine or brake?

West Africa is changing and its future direction can influence that of the African continent. As home to Africa’s greatest energy reserves, fastest-growing economies and largest population, and as one of Africa’s best examples of regional integration, West Africa has the potential to drive continental progress.

However, the region faces profound challenges in terms of weak governance, insecurity, poverty and inequality, population pressures and climate change. Without effective regional responses to these challenges, West Africa will be unable to convert its assets into continental leadership and could remain a major source of insecurity and poverty within Africa.