Regionalizing Telecommunications Reform in West Africa

105 Pages Posted: 20 Apr 2016

See all articles by Ioannis Kessides

Ioannis Kessides

World Bank; World Bank

Roger G. Noll

Stanford University - Department of Economics

Nancy Benjamin

World Bank; U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Date Written: November 1, 2009

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an increasing recognition that significant welfare gains could be realized through deep forms of regional integration which entail harmonization of legal, regulatory and institutional frameworks. Reforms that reduce cross-border transaction costs and improve the performance of “backbone” infrastructure services are arguably even more important for the creation of an open, unified regional economic space than trade policy reforms narrowly defined. This paper assesses the potential gains from regionalized telecommunications policy in West Africa. To this end, the paper: (i) discusses how regional cooperation can overcome national limits in technical expertise, enhance the capacity of nations credibly to commit to stable regulatory policy, and ultimately facilitate infrastructure investment in the region; (ii) identifies trade-distorting regulations that inhibit opportunities for regional trade and economic development, and so are good candidates for regional trade negotiations to reduce indirect trade barriers; and (iii) describes substantive elements of a harmonized regional regulatory policy that can deliver immediate performance benefits.

Keywords: E-Business, Environmental Economics & Policies, ICT Policy and Strategies, Transport Economics Policy & Planning, Emerging Markets

Suggested Citation

Kessides, Ioannis N. and Kessides, Ioannis N. and Noll, Roger G. and Benjamin, Nancy, Regionalizing Telecommunications Reform in West Africa (November 1, 2009). World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 5126, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1509193

Ioannis N. Kessides (Contact Author)

World Bank

1818 H Street N.W.
Washington, DC 20433
United States

World Bank

1818 H Street N.W.
Washington, DC 20433
United States

Roger G. Noll

Stanford University - Department of Economics ( email )

Landau Economics Building
579 Serra Mall
Stanford, CA 94305-6072
United States
650-723-2297 (Phone)
650-725-5702 (Fax)

Nancy Benjamin

World Bank

1818 H Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20433
United States

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

1800 M. Street NW
Room N5142
Washington, DC 20036-5831
United States

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