This study examines the regional economic initiatives in Mali, focusing on how these impact the country's development within Africa's broader context. The study employs qualitative research methods including interviews, document reviews, and data triangulation from official sources and expert opinions to assess the impact of these economic initiatives. A key finding is that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) framework has established a significant trade corridor connecting Mali with neighboring countries, facilitating over 40% increase in cross-border commerce. The findings suggest that while ECOWAS provides substantial economic benefits, there are challenges related to governance and implementation that need addressing for broader success. Recommendations include strengthening institutional capacity within Mali to better integrate into regional trade networks and advocate for more equitable distribution of resources among member states.
Traoré et al. (Fri,) studied this question.