The political dynamics of regional integration in Africa: The subjective side

John Windie Ansah

Sociology and Anthropology Department, University of Cape Coast

E-mail: jewans2000@yahoo.com

Accepted 01 October, 2013

Abstract

This paper examined the subjective political conditions which affect the prospects and challenges of regional integration in Africa using ECOWAS, SADC and EAC as cases in point. Employing the modernization theory, ‘communicative action’ and the regime theory as frames of analysis, secondary sources were used to prove that political motivation has been key to unlocking the economic prospects in the areas of energy supply and single market formation. The evidence also displayed the absence of a clear and single voice about specific economic issues, non recognition of Civil Society Organisations, lack of political commitment to defer economic gratification and personal political discords, mounted on grounds of suspicion and mistrust, as critical challenges. The study argues that the discussion of Africa’s regional integration prospects must not just consider economic issues but should incorporate those micro level political variants which are equally fundamental to the understanding Africa’s current economic setting.

Keywords: Regional Integration, Political, ECOWAS, SADC, EAC.