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ECOWAS uniform currency may berth next year

By Mathias Okwe, Abuja
01 February 2019   |   4:24 am
The long-awaited Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) common currency is to come on stream next year barring any last minute hitches.

The long-awaited Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) common currency is to come on stream next year barring any last minute hitches.However, the denomination may remain the Eco, as preparations are in top gear to kick-start its design, including logo and other niceties, to have a sub- regional currency in the class of the Euro.

Findings at the ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja indicate that every detail for the smooth take-off was being strengthened by the sub-regional body’s Macroeconomic Policy and Economic Research Department.

Under the current arrangement, all monetary authorities in West Africa are to be unified by an economic convergence plan.A top ECOWAS official, who craved anonymity, said:” Since the establishment of the Presidential Task Force, comprising four Heads of State, namely presidents of Niger (chair); Ghana, Cote D’ Ivoire and Nigeria, significant (improvements) have been made.

“The action includes adoption of a new roadmap and establishment of a special fund to finance the roadmap – (viz) the validation of the terms of reference for the ECOWAS single currency’s name and logo – and launch of the competition. Also, significant progress has also been made on the model and the name of the central bank as well as a common monetary policy framework and exchange rate regime.”

The Commissioner in charge of Macroeconomic Policy and Economic Research Department, Dr. Kofi Apraku, had last December raised concern over the inability of member-states to meet their budget obligations as they relate to deficits.At a review meeting, he had observed: “ Achieving the budget deficit criterion on a sustainable basis has continued to pose a significant challenge for many member-states due to low revenue mobilisation and high expenditure outlays. Furthermore, agencies need to accelerate the implementation of policy harmonisation measures and institutional arrangements outlined in the roadmap.”

Apraku added:” In particular, the harmonisation of monetary and exchange rate policy frameworks continue to pose a daunting challenge. The challenge notwithstanding, I am delighted at the excellent collaboration existing between the ECOWAS Commission, central banks and regional institutions involved in the implementation of the single currency programme.”

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