Regional integration in Africa is necessary because our nations cannot prosper in isolation. The challenges posed by small domestic markets, limited economies of scale and the marginal position of Africa in global trade call for coordinated and effective responses from Regional Economic Community (REC) Members. That is why numerous regional agreements have been concluded; to provide legal frameworks to steer national administrations towards joint and firm action. On paper we believe in the benefits of regional integration but frequently fail to implement what we have agreed to. Domestic policies and laws diverge, while institutions are weak. The result is low levels of compliance and fragmented outcomes. This comes at a cost. Why do we often fail in regional endeavours and what can be done to improve matters? More specifically, how can the implementation of regional legal instruments be enhanced? Be honest about design flaws in legal instruments and fix them REC legal instruments do not provide for effective regional action. Their implementation is ‘decentralized’ and allows Members wide discretion on how and when to comply with their obligations. Ambitious regional integration plans also result in overlapping membership, with multiple and often conflicting commitments. This causes confusion and duplication; undermining the...
Written by Gerhard Erasmus
Tags: E15Initiative, Development, E15Initiative, Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs)