Ethiopian Informer
ADDIS ABABA (EI): In a significant stride towards enhancing regional integration in Africa, African experts have made progress on assessing regional integration in Africa, according to the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
UNECA, in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), convened its second expert group meeting to evaluate the draft report of the 11th Edition of Assessing Regional Integration in Africa (ARIA XI). The meeting, held on Tuesday, focused on the theme: “Delivering on the African Economic Community: Towards a Continental Customs Union and Common Market,” the UNECA said in a statement.
Stephen Karingi, Director of the Regional Integration and Trade Division at UNECA, emphasized the report’s relevance in light of the varied progress made by different Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in establishing sub-regional customs unions and common markets. “ARIA XI explores how the experiences of RECs can serve as a foundation for the continental Customs Union and the African Common Market, as envisioned by the Abuja Treaty and provided for in the AfCFTA Agreement,” Karingi stated.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is already being implemented, marking a crucial step in Africa’s integration project. Karingi noted that the next logical phase is to launch a Customs Union followed by the establishment of an African Common Market. “Regional integration in Africa has been a blend of socio-economic constructs. ARIA XI aims to assess Africa’s readiness for a customs union and a common market, contributing to the full implementation of the AfCFTA agreement,” he added.
The ARIA series has consistently provided valuable insights based on empirical research and theoretical frameworks that are critical for African policymakers, trade negotiators, academia, and development stakeholders.
Brian Mureverwi, trade advisor at the AUC, expressed satisfaction with the progress made on the draft report, highlighting its significance for Africa’s future trajectory and global standing.
“The report examines the conditions necessary for establishing a continental customs union and common market, leveraging the experiences gained from RECs’ integration efforts,” Mureverwi remarked.
Zodwa Mabuza, principal regional integration officer at AfDB, highlighted the historical importance of the ARIA series since its inception in 2004, noting its pivotal role in shaping Africa’s integration agenda. She urged participants to learn from past experiences, particularly those from the East African Community, to inform future strategies for deepening regional integration.
Mabuza called for a thorough review of the progress made by RECs in implementing AfCFTA, customs unions, and common markets. “We should identify challenges and opportunities of regional integration in Africa based on the findings of the report and provide guidance to member states and institutions on deepening regional integration on the continent,” she stated.
Key questions that ARIA-XI aims to address include whether Africa has achieved optimal conditions for realizing a continental customs union and common market, as well as their potential benefits and impacts. The report also seeks to explore whether these goals can be pursued alongside the ongoing implementation of AfCFTA, according to the UNECA.
The expert meeting brought together professionals from various sectors, including RECs, AUC, AfDB, UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), academia, civil society, and the private sector. Their collective expertise is expected to contribute significantly to advancing Africa’s regional integration agenda.
As discussions continue, the path toward a more integrated African economy appears promising, with ARIA XI serving as a critical tool in navigating this complex landscape. The commitment from various stakeholders underscores a shared vision for a prosperous and interconnected continent.
(Photo credit UNECA)
