부산대학교 도서관

The paper perceives globalization as a classical economy prevailing today whose philosophy and orientation is to encourage free flow of ideas, people, goods, services and capital for the purpose of enhancing integration of economies and societies. This paper traces the history of globalization in Africa but had emphasis on West Africa. The paper argues that the age of globalization came as a consequence of a combination of factors such as improved technologies, growing tastes of individuals and societies, globalization of national economies, liberalization of national financial and capital markets, competition among the providers of intermediary services and mass production arising from improved technologies. The paper posits that in the globalized economy, countries with requisite capabilities for trade and investment are usually integrated with spillover effects on their growth and development. According to the paper, those that cannot be integrated because of lack of infrastructure, institutional capability, technical skills, unfriendly investment environment and organizational capabilities are bypassed and they run the risk of being marginalized. In light of the findings, the study recommends West African states to 'watch the events and choose not to globalize areas that run counter to African culture and social wellbeing. African communalism should be encouraged. The reduction in unemployment and poverty must be pursued as a matter of urgency should be one of the strategies to achieving this goal. It is no gainsaying that readers are leaders. Meeting the information needs of African leaders, policy makers and Africans generally can help in improving the positive effects of globalization and reducing its negative tolls in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]