Regional Integration in Africa: Lessons from the East African Community

The creation of regional bodies such as the African Union, the New Partnership for Africa`s Development, the Southern African Customs Union and the East African Community has renewed interest in the viability of regional integration. These bodies hold the possibility for renewed economic development and political cooperation. Central to this are two questions: first, are integration efforts capable of boosting equitable inter- and intra-regional trade flows; and secondly, are they sustainable?

Associate SAIIA researcher, Wolfe Braude has published Regional Integration in Africa: Lessons from the East African Community. The publication explores the commitment to regional integration, challenges identified and lessons learned from the East African Community through topics such as institutional structures, capacity constraints and labour.

Conceived as a pilot study funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and implemented and published by SAIIA, Braude's research was intended as a case study to assess the direction and progress of regional economic integration bodies in Africa. With these findings, it is hoped that greater coherence would be added to regional policy making on the continent and further aid understanding of the drivers behind the EAC.

This publication is available for purchase from the Publications Office at SAIIA. Inquiries can be directed to either Leanne Smith or Angela Thomas via email to: pubs@saiia.org.za