A study on the development strategy of the railway transportation system in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) based on the SWOT/AHP technique

Abstract

In this study, the development strategy for the railway transportation system in the West African Economic and Monetary Union is investigated. Railway transportation has a crucial role in the economy of any country. However, the pronounced deficit of its infrastructure in the region becomes a challenge. Fourteen SWOT factors were identified through a questionnaire survey on central and managing authorities of different countries. The application of a combined SWOT matrix and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was used to evaluate the priority factors and to employ them in developing strategies. The findings of the study show that the competition from road and the intermittent state intervention are the major threats. The main weaknesses are the obsolescence and non-functionality of infrastructure and the chronic lack of financial resources. The results also showed that the potential market growth is the main opportunity while the large-capacity rail haulage over long distances is the main strength. Based on the results, strategies have been proposed to guide the governments in promoting regional integration, strengthening intra-regional trade, balancing national and regional development, and contributing significantly to the reduction of poverty.