Work

Strategies for Effective Regional Integration in Africa

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The study discusses strategies of regional integration in Africa, taking into account economic, political, social, technological and security aspects. It uses a qualitative and historical-comparative approach to examines the development of African integration from the Pan-African ideals and the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to the African Union (AU), Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Case studies of ECOWAS, EAC and SADC provide realistic examples of successes in peacekeeping, governance, customs union implementation, trade facilitation and infrastructure collaboration. Findings reveal that despite great advances in Africa, integration is still hampered by political instability, infrastructure deficits, multiple REC memberships, weak treaty implementation and socio-cultural diversity. Successful integration will require a multi-dimensional strategy including strong institutions, economic convergence, social and cultural integration, technology innovation and security collaboration. The study proposes: priority to regional value chains; invest in infrastructure; build confidence, political commitment; and promote people-to-people contact.

Source: Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.22642555

Authors: Shehu, Naim, Omodia, Stephen Monday

Institutions: Pan-African University, Pan African University Institute for Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences, Ambrose Alli University

Language: English

Topic: Global Political and Social Dynamics

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Partnerships for the goals, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7211901357

FWCI:

Cites:

Cited by:

Related to: