Abstract
This paper aims to unravel the experiences of the different forms of economic integration in sub-Saharan Africa. Such analysis allows us to scrutinize the prospective effects of these integrations and the challenges thereof. There are around fifteen regional arrangements in Africa, most of which overlap between the involved countries. For this study, the focus is on the three selected regional arrangements, namely, the Economic Community of West African Studies (ECOWAS), the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Using the common correlated effects panel estimation techniques, the findings of this paper reveal the disparities in the net effects of economic integration among the different regional economic associations in sub-Saharan Africa. This paper also identifies the underlying fundamental objectives behind each selected regional arrangement and further assesses the short-term or long-term effects of such an arrangement. Reviewing these different forms of regional economic associations in sub-Saharan Africa enables a fair conclusion to be drawn on the general net effects of economic integration particularly given the newly founded African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Also, discussing the underlying impediments can enlighten the AfCFTA. Of the few scientific studies that have been conducted on economic integration in sub-Saharan Africa, the major conclusions that emerge show controversial evidence on the effects of regional integration. Nevertheless, the main constraints to economic integration in sub-Saharan Africa include the problems arising from a lack of political commitment and overlapping membership.
Presenters
Malefa Rose MalefaneAssociate Professor, Department of Economics, University of South Africa, Gauteng, South Africa
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Economic Integration, Africa, Trade, Growth, Diversification
