Ivory Coast experts share thoughts on end of CFA Franc A small step or a revolution? The announcement of the replacement of the CFA franc by the Eco in eight West African countries leaves open many questions as to its significance, symbolic or real, for economies and for the everyday person. With France taking more of a back seat, economist Tchétché N'Guessan warns that "If we have our own money we can make it a means of independence but if we manage it badly it can also be an element of servitude." IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES