CODESRIA: International Seminar on the Future of the CFA Zone

CODESRIA, in its Research Programme (1997-2000), has identified monetary and financial issues as a priority theme. More specifically, the future of the Franc Zone. Such a concern can be explained by the consequences of the devaluation, the social impact of which is only being appraised. On the other hand, the year 1998 is important because it will witness the substitution of the Franc by the Euro.

The solid commitment of France for the establishment of the Euro raises the issue of the future of the Franc Zone. Are we going to see the dissolution of this zone as of 1 January 1999? Or rather, are we going to witness the birth of an autonomous monetary zone among African countries? Such issues are not only of a monetary and financial nature. The monetary choices of the African countries will have far-reaching implications for their development strategies and political and social options. Hence, beyond the prospects for the Franc Zone, it is the whole political, economic and social future of the Zone and of Africa, which is at stake.

So many important questions nobody dares address because of the strategic, political and economic and social stakes involved. Yet, time is running out and there is only one year left before the date for the establishment of the single currency.

CODESRIA, as an independent body gathering African researchers, intends to trigger off the debate and urge them to address these issues seriously. CODESRIA proposes to organize an international seminar of economists in a very near future, with the view to reflecting on the future of the Zone and to suggest alternatives to the current dead end.

Objectives of the Seminar

The objective of this seminar is to create a forum for debate between African economists on the future of the Franc Zone. More specifically, it is hoped that such themes as: the Overall Performance of the Franc Zone, the Impact of the Devaluation of the CFA Franc, as well as the Future of the Zone, will be addressed.

Papers for this seminar focus on one of the following three themes:

- Overall Performance of the CFA Franc;

- Impact of the CFA Devaluation;

- Prospects for the Zone.

For any further information, please write to us.

CODESRIA International Seminar on the Franc Zone

P.O. Box 3304, Dakar/Senegal

Tel.: 825.98.21 <197> Telex: 61339 CODES SG

E-mail: codesria@sonatel.senet.net