The African Union (AU) is pushing ahead with its ambitious plan to integrate the continent despite doubts that it will work. Africa, with 55 countries, is the most fragmented continent with the most fractured border crossings. Trade among African countries remains shockingly low. Sceptics of the AU’s regional integration efforts point to the EU’s woes. They argue that because the integration project is faltering in Europe, it is also likely to fail in Africa. Some observers suggest that the EU is on the brink of imploding, destroying the euro and sparking economic doom. AU Commission chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said in October, the AU’s project would be a success. Agenda 2063, its 50-year continental vision to advance regional integration, "will work because the first draft didn’t come from governments, but from the wider society", she said at the 20th anniversary of the South African National Editors’ Forum in Johannesburg. She said 30 countries on the continent had included ...
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.