Unintentional neo-colonialism? Three generations of trade and development relationship between EU and West Africa

This article argues that the limited economic transformation in West African countries is a function of interaction between domestic elites’ quest for political survival and EU’s international trade partnership with former colonies (Yaoundé Convention 1963–1975; Lomé 1975–2000 Cotonou Agreement 2000–present). The counterfactual argument, demonstrated clearly comparative study (of Yaoundé era), absence partnership, ruling elites would have had to negotiate their by promoting change instead colonial continuity. As not all joined Conventions (1963–1975), comparison affiliated non-affiliated was conducted from 1960 1975. Analysis differences these three areas (economic crisis, crisis origins diversification) reveals two trajectories Africa: neo-colonialism (for countries); unaffiliated countries).