Over the last few years, sub-Saharan Africa has made significant strides in the socio-economic development area. With improved governance and macroeconomic environment, growth has become more stable and steady. Correlatively, income per capita has increased, while health and education have seen remarkable improvements. If this positive trend continues, the continent would have what it needs to become a dynamic, diversified and competitive economic zone.
It is against this background that countries in West Africa, particularly those in the WAEMU zone expect to see faster economic transformation, through the implementation of far-reaching national and regional development programmes. Thus, absorption of infrastructural deficit, resilient agriculture, improved access to safe drinking water and sanitation, adaptation to climate change and variability are challenges that must be tackled in order to place ourselves on the path for growth and socio-economic development.