Regional integration in Africa remains low
But finding reveals that the SADC region is the most integrated in terms of trade, with SA trading with most of its peers on the continent
Co-operation and economic integration between African countries remains low despite recent efforts by policymakers to boost trade and investment on the continent. This is according to the UN’s draft African Regional Integration Index. However, the findings reveal that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is the most integrated region in terms of trade, with SA rated as the “most integrated” country on the continent. SA trades with most of its peers on the continent. SA recently joined 50 other countries in signing the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) agreement that aims to create a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of business persons and investments. With about 1.2-billion people on the continent, the agreement is set to create one of the largest free trade market zones in the world. However, the agreement is yet to gain traction with intra-African trade still very low compared to other major regions in the world such as the EU and ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.