What to expect from regional integration in Africa

Abstract

This paper provides a comparative overview of the vast topic of regional integration in Africa. Unlike most literature it includes both security and economic aspects of regional integration. Overall, three mega-trends working in Africa currently will increase the conflict potential in the coming decades unless economic transformation takes off and millions of new jobs are created. Meeting the challenges in the medium term, regional integration is a wise strategy, since it has the potential to deliver conflict mitigation and economic development. The Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in Africa are diverse, dynamic and on different levels of development. Some have progressed tremendously while others have been stalling for decades. As such, they will deliver differently. The vision of a Pan-African Economic Community is not likely to be realised before the deadline of 2028. However, in regions where economic and/or security interests converge and challenges are handled, the RECs...