Regional Integration and
Infrastructure Development:
Challenges and Opportunities
for Côte d’Ivoire
D. A. Daniel
1,2
and M. C. Sama
2,3
Abstract
This study used both purposive and stratified sampling techniques, the contribution of regional
integration on financing infrastructural project, and regional policy on infrastructural management and
technical skills in Côte d’Ivoire was assessed. The study found that over 80 per cent of respondents
agreed that regional integration would increase infrastructural project financing evidenced by the
country-specific plan for 2020–2022 under the African Development Bank. Moreover, 69 per cent of
respondents agreed that the impacts of regional policy on infrastructural management and technical skill
have positive effect on the economic development in Côte d’Ivoire. However, there was a significant
difference (chi-square value = 0.042, p < 0.05) between the level of education and perception on policy,
while the relationship between infrastructure financing and education level was insignificant. Despite the
number of challenges limiting regional integration, there are more opportunities through continental
and regional programmes and political willpower of Côte d’Ivoire for a successful integration. The study
recommends that awareness of regional integration be increased to enhance the knowledge of citizens
for easy adoption of regional policy into national activities for infrastructural development.
JEL Classification: H54, R11
Keywords: Regional integration, infrastructure, development, Côte d’Ivoire
1. Introduction
Regional integration often traced to the Marshall Plan of 1947 holds a great potential for infrastructure
development in Côte d’Ivoire. The interstate reconciliation of regional states despite their past experience
through negotiations and policy amendment on the grounds of structural (institutionalised) relationship
of peace and mutual respect leverage on the strength of each other for infrastructure development
(Ginsberg, 2007). The strength and vision of regional blocs such as Economic Community of West
African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) can promote infrastructure development in Côte
d’Ivoire through regional integration.
Corresponding author:
D. A. Daniel, Department of Board Affairs and Proceedings (PSEG. 1), African Development Bank Group, Avenue Joseph Anoma
01 BP 1387 Abidjan 01, Côte d’Ivoire.
E-mail: ddaniel6392@stu.ui.edu.ng
1
Department of Board Affairs and Proceedings (PSEG. 1), African Development Bank Group, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
2
Pan African University Institute of Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Yaoundé II, Soa, Cameroon.
3
Head of Department of Economics and Management, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.
Article
Journal of Infrastructure Development
12(2) 139–153, 2020
© 2020 India Development Foundation
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DOI: 10.1177/0974930620961478
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