Within CRULH, Komi Abalo explored the role of the CFA franc in the economic development of West Africa since 1960.
Komi Abalo, chercheur·e au sein de CRULH (Université de Lorraine).
Thèse soutenue en 2023 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Humanités Nouvelles - Fernand Braudel.
The thesis of Komi Abalo highlights a often neglected subject: the impact of the CFA franc on the economic development of French-speaking West African countries. This subject deserves particular attention, as it raises fundamental questions about economic sovereignty and post-colonial relations. Indeed, the CFA franc, a colonial legacy, continues to influence the economic policies of these nations, often to the detriment of their autonomy. This situation is all the more concerning in a context where the countries of the region aspire to sustainable and inclusive development.
The results of this research are unequivocal. The countries of the franc zone, despite promises of development, suffer from persistent economic dependence. In 2020, none of them were among the ten richest countries in Africa, illustrating the limits of an economic model based on a currency that is not entirely under their control. For example, Benin, which heavily depends on cotton exports, often faces price fluctuations in the international market, exacerbated by a currency that does not allow it to respond quickly to economic shocks. This situation raises questions about the viability of cooperation agreements signed with France, which seem to favor the former colonial power more than the concerned countries.
The recommendations of the thesis are clear: it is imperative to promote monetary independence and to implement public policies that strengthen economic sovereignty. This could involve the creation of national or regional currencies, allowing countries to better manage their resources and reduce their dependence on former colonial powers. For example, the establishment of a single currency for ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) could provide a viable alternative to the CFA franc, facilitating smoother trade between member countries.
It is also essential to rethink cooperation agreements with France. These agreements, often perceived as chains, should be revised to promote a genuine partnership based on equality and mutual respect. The countries of the franc zone must unite to claim their right to an autonomous monetary policy, which would allow them to better respond to the needs of their population. This could include discussions on revising the conditions for accessing French funding and investments, to ensure that these resources are used for local development and not for debt repayment.
In summary, Komi Abalo's thesis prompts us to reflect on the economic and political issues underlying the CFA franc. It invites us to envision a future where West African countries could finally take their destiny into their own hands, freeing themselves from colonial legacies that continue to hinder them. For this, it is crucial that African leaders, supported by their populations, become aware of the importance of economic sovereignty and the necessity of building strong and transparent institutions.
In this quest for autonomy, the examples of countries that have succeeded in diversifying their economies, such as Ghana with its rapidly expanding agri-food sector, can serve as inspiring models. By investing in education, technology, and innovation, West African countries can not only improve their economic situation but also strengthen their position on the international stage.
Thus, Komi Abalo's thesis is not only a critical analysis of the past but a call to action for a better future. It emphasizes the importance of collective reflection on the economic choices that will shape the destiny of West Africa, highlighting the necessity of true economic independence, which could allow these nations to thrive and develop sustainably.
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Sources et accès
Komi Abalo. L'Afrique Occidentale francophone entre le franc CFA et le projet de développement économique et social depuis 1960. Histoire. Université de Lorraine; Université de Montréal, 2023. Français. ⟨NNT : 2023LORR0363⟩. ⟨tel-04717088⟩