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Working with the grain of African integration

Author

Listed:
  • Bruce BYIERS

    (ECDPM)

  • Jaime DE MELO

    (Ferdi)

  • Ed BROWN

    (ACET)

Abstract

This Briefing Note gives an overview of the complexities and challenges facing efforts at regional integration in Africa. Although frustration with progress in regional integration is widespread, ambitions continue to grow with the recent signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Engagement with regional processes should be based on a very explicit understanding of the political economy of regional processes. This means taking account of political interests and incentives both within and between states to gauge where there is genuine traction for regional initiatives and therefore where external support might be effective.As part of thinking about furthering the regional agenda, this Briefing Note also points to the importance of effective monitoring, meaning not only following outcomes, but also tracking commitments made towards regional efforts. A more realistic understanding of where and why countries engage in regional integration, and improved monitoring of actual engagement can help identify where to support countries in their efforts. But peer pressure and learning across regions can also play a role. The Pan African Coalitions for Transformation recently launched to play this role across a range of policy areas could help fulfil this role.

Suggested Citation

  • Bruce BYIERS & Jaime DE MELO & Ed BROWN, 2018. "Working with the grain of African integration," Working Papers 4530, FERDI.
    • Handle: RePEc:fdi:wpaper:4530
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jaime de Melo & Mariem Nouar & Jean-Marc Solleder, 2017. "Integration along the Abuja road map: A progress report," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2017-103, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    2. Joël CARIOLLE & Anne-Marie GEOURJON & Audrey-Anne DE UBEDA, 2017. "Principes et application à l’UEMOA d’un indice d’engagement des Etats dans l’intégration commerciale," Working Papers P202, FERDI.
    3. Whitfield,Lindsay & Therkildsen,Ole & Buur,Lars & Kjær,Anne Mette, 2015. "The Politics of African Industrial Policy," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9781107105317, January.
    4. Gathii,James Thuo, 2011. "African Regional Trade Agreements as Legal Regimes," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521769839, January.
    5. Lant Pritchett, Michael Woolcock, Matt Andrews, 2010. "Capability Traps? The Mechanisms of Persistent Implementation Failure - Working Paper 234," Working Papers 234, Center for Global Development.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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