Regional Integration and Infrastructure Development: Challenges and Opportunities for Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

This study used both purposive and stratified sampling techniques, the contribution of regional integration on financing infrastructural project, and regional policy on infrastructural management and technical skills in Côte d’Ivoire was assessed. The study found that over 80 per cent of respondents agreed that regional integration would increase infrastructural project financing evidenced by the country-specific plan for 2020–2022 under the African Development Bank. Moreover, 69 per cent of respondents agreed that the impacts of regional policy on infrastructural management and technical skill have positive effect on the economic development in Côte d’Ivoire. However, there was a significant difference (chi-square value = 0.042, p < 0.05) between the level of education and perception on policy, while the relationship between infrastructure financing and education level was insignificant. Despite the number of challenges limiting regional integration, there are more opportunities through continental and regional programmes and political willpower of Côte d’Ivoire for a successful integration. The study recommends that awareness of regional integration be increased to enhance the knowledge of citizens for easy adoption of regional policy into national activities for infrastructural development.