5.6 Regional economic integration in Africa
African integration is difficult because market sizes and resource endowments are small. There are nevertheless nine economic blocs trying to achieve some form of economic integration, most at a fairly low level. In general, the countries involved are so poor and economic activity so low that there is an insignificant base for cooperation resulting in little progress.
There is considerable overlap in membership of the nine groups which reflects their differing objectives. For example, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has four commissions: one for trade, one for industry, one for transport, telecommunications and energy, and one for socio-cultural affairs. The aim is to make ECOWAS a union similar to the EC, but it is doubtful that member governments have the commitment necessary for success.
Pause here to catch up with some reading from Hill (2005).
In your text
Hill 2005, Chapter 8, pp. 284-292.
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