A Comparative Study of the Economic Development Trends in Selected West and North African Countries

This study conducts a comparative trend analysis of the economic development between the selected West African countries, namely, Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire, and the North African countries, namely, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia, between 1990 and 2024. Based on the secondary data provided by the World Bank, IMF, AfDB, and UNDP, this research studies important macroeconomic indicators (GDP growth, inflation, exchange rate stability), human development results, external sector (trade openness and FDI inflows), and fiscal sustainability. The results revealed a systematic trend of increased macroeconomic volatility in West Africa, which is caused by commodity reliance and institutional weakness, in comparison with relatively stable but moderate growth in North Africa, which is supported by more economic diversification, better integration with European markets, and more robust policy regimes. Indicators reflecting human development, such as life expectancy, education, and the Human Development Index, are also in favor of North African countries in the demonstration of the constant investment in health and education by the population. Although Cote d’Ivoire stands out as a performer in West Africa after 2012, Nigeria and Ghana are still struggling to deal with structural imbalances, exchange rate, and increasing debt burden. The research highlights the significance of institutional quality, coherence in policies, and human capital formation in development pattern divergence. The combination of the historical legacies and trends adds to the literature gaps in the intra-African regional comparisons and provides the evidence-based information to the policy makers intending to promote inclusive, sustainable, and resilient economic development on the continent.

Economic development, structural transformation, macroeconomic stability, regional comparison, human development, trade openness

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