This paper argues that West Africa as a region is not only among the most underdeveloped or least developed in Africa, but also in the world. Part of the reason for the underdevelopment of West Africa is that it has experienced two historical phases of the brain drain (slavery and post World War II skilled exodus). As a result, the paper claims that among the most influential individuals in the world such as scientists of all kinds, professional entertainers, athletes, politicians, businessmen and women, etc. are people of West African descent who are not in West Africa.