The major trading partners of the Anglophone West African countries are

Analyze the question: It asks which countries are the main trading partners of the English-speaking (Anglophone) West African countries, such as Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia and The Gambia.

Concept: A country's trading partners are shaped by history (colonial ties), by the industrial strength of the partner, and by the demand for the exports. The Anglophone West African countries export raw materials like crude oil, cocoa, timber and minerals. They import machinery, vehicles, electronics and manufactured goods. The countries that buy these exports and supply these imports are mainly the industrialized nations.

Solution, option by option:

• A. Britain, USA, Germany and Japan. Britain is the former colonial power and a long-standing partner. The USA is a major buyer of Nigerian crude oil and a major supplier of goods. Germany and Japan are industrial powers that supply machinery and vehicles and buy raw materials. All four fit the pattern.
• B. Germany, China, South Africa and Norway. Norway and South Africa are not leading partners of these countries. China is a major partner today, but the list as a whole is weaker than A.
• C. Belgium, India, Columbia and Chile. Colombia and Chile have very little trade with West Africa.
• D. Chile, Pakistan, Japan and Britain. Chile and Pakistan are minor partners.

Exam tip: For "major trading partners" questions, pick the option with the big industrialized economies (Britain, USA, Germany, Japan) and eliminate options that include distant, small trading partners such as Chile or Colombia.