This book examines the past, present and prospects of regional economic integration in Africa. The empirical analysis ranges from unions formed during the years following independence, to the proposed African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to remove trade barriers between all 55 African states. In addition, the book explores to what extent Africa's Regional Economic Communities (RECs) have advanced in accordance with a linear integration model of goods, labor and capital markets. The book subsequently evaluates the suitability of the European model of deep integration with costly institutions for the conditions specific to Africa, considering, for example, the role of informal and non-recorded trade. Stylized cases of regional division of labour with increasing returns and imperfect competition are introduced to support the economic integration logic. Past and current economic policies in Africa are scrutinized to answer the question: how can African regions best foster new manufacturing industries and value chains across the continent? In conclusion, the book outlines content and processes of Common Industrial Policy in the African regions. The book also addresses the controversial issue of international trade agreements between developing countries and the European Union or the USA and investigates whether these agreements impede or promote economic development in Africa. The book includes a detailed roadmap describing how to improve key clauses of agreements for economic partnership in the interest of African countries. In closing, it outlines a new vision of joint sustainable development for Africa and Europe.

This book examines the past, present and prospects of regional economic integration in Africa. The empirical analysis ranges from unions formed during the years following independence, to the proposed African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to remove trade barriers between all 55 African states. In addition, the book explores to what extent Africa's Regional Economic Communities (RECs) have advanced in accordance with a linear integration model of goods, labor and capital markets. The book subsequently evaluates the suitability of the European model of deep integration with costly institutions for the conditions specific to Africa, considering, for example, the role of informal and non-recorded trade. Stylized cases of regional division of labour with increasing returns and imperfect competition are introduced to support the economic integration logic. Past and current economic policies in Africa are scrutinized to answer the question: how can African regions best foster new manufacturing industries and value chains across the continent? In conclusion, the book outlines content and processes of Common Industrial Policy in the African regions. The book also addresses the controversial issue of international trade agreements between developing countries and the European Union or the USA and investigates whether these agreements impede or promote economic development in Africa. The book includes a detailed roadmap describing how to improve key clauses of agreements for economic partnership in the interest of African countries. In closing, it outlines a new vision of joint sustainable development for Africa and Europe.

Dieses Buch untersucht die Vergangenheit, die Gegenwart und die Perspektiven der regionalen wirtschaftlichen Integration in Afrika. Die empirische Analyse reicht von Gewerkschaften, die in den Jahren nach der Unabhangigkeit gegrundet wurden, bis hin zur vorgeschlagenen Afrikanischen Kontinentalen Freihandelszone (AfCFTA), die darauf abzielt, Handelsbarrieren zwischen allen 55 afrikanischen Staaten zu beseitigen. Daruber hinaus wird untersucht, inwieweit die regionalen Wirtschaftsgemeinschaften (RECs) Afrikas gemass einem linearen Integrationsmodell der Guter-, Arbeits- und Kapitalmarkte vorangekommen sind. Das Buch bewertet anschliessend die Eignung des europaischen Modells einer tiefgreifenden Integration mit kostspieligen Institutionen fur die spezifischen Bedingungen Afrikas, wobei beispielsweise die Rolle des informellen und nicht erfassten Handels berucksichtigt wird. Um die Logik der wirtschaftlichen Integration zu untermauern, werden stilisierte Falle regionaler Arbeitsteilung mit steigenden Ertragen und unvollkommenem Wettbewerb vorgestellt. Fruhere und aktuelle wirtschaftspolitische Massnahmen in Afrika werden unter die Lupe genommen, um die Frage zu beantworten, wie afrikanische Regionen neue Fertigungsindustrien und Wertschoepfungsketten auf dem gesamten Kontinent am besten foerdern koennen. Abschliessend skizziert das Buch Inhalt und Verfahren der gemeinsamen Industriepolitik in den afrikanischen Regionen. Das Buch befasst sich auch mit dem kontroversen Thema der internationalen Handelsabkommen zwischen Entwicklungslandern und der Europaischen Union oder den USA und untersucht, ob diese Abkommen die wirtschaftliche Entwicklung in Afrika behindern oder foerdern. Das Buch enthalt einen detaillierten Fahrplan, in dem beschrieben wird, wie die Schlusselklauseln der Abkommen uber wirtschaftliche Partnerschaft im Interesse der afrikanischen Lander verbessert werden koennen. Abschliessend wird eine neue Vision einer gemeinsamen nachhaltigen Entwicklung fur Afrika und Europa skizziert.