Africa (in general) and west Africa in particular has great potential for increased air traffic, however, many of the local governments have their collective hands in the cookie jar, and until this activity is curtailed, local airlines, managed by locals, will not succeed...in my considered opinion.
Now, having said all this, it is possible for small local carriers to succeed, but for the present, they need to be managed by, and the funding provided from, foreign investors.
Look for one new small carrier to pass through Dakar on a regular basis, with wide-body aircraft (Lockheed L1011) and regional aircraft as well (BAe146 is under consideration)...so the future looks bright for the area, so long as 'governments' keep their hands off for awhile.
Time will tell.