Dynamics between Regional Integration and Informal Cross Border Trade and Its Applicability: The Case of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea

Abstract

Collective self-reliance, inward-looking regionalism, and delinking from the dominant relationships that prevailed in the international economic system in the form of regional economic integration and cooperation were the solution identified by the Pan-African leaders as a potential strategy for restructuring the fragmented African region into a more coherent and viable economic space. This article interrogates the applicability and understanding of Regional Integration within the ECCAS Region while determining the influence Informal Cross Border Trade has had on economic integration in this sub region. The study uses economic integration theories to analyze the implementation of regional economic integration and its effectiveness. The article applies a qualitative research method with a cross sectional design to study a multilevel issue involved in regional integration. It aimed to explain and predict phenomena based on empirical data obtained through interviews using close structured and unstructured interview guide. The study revealed that despite efforts to institutionalize regional integration in the ECCAS region, structural challenges remain a significant impediment to intra-regional trade. Informal cross-border traders consolidate what has come to be regarded as the “invisible” integration of Africa’s economies through their involvement in a range of goods and services, resulting in transnational networks, culture and kinship. These can only be effective if African countries adopt a self-reliant and inward-looking economic integration strategy.