Abstract
The AU, in April 2006, passed a resolution on the rationalisation and harmonisation of Regional economic communities (RECs). A moratorium and suspension of recognition of RECs followed in July. Eight RECs were consequently identified as the building blocks to the African economic community (AEC). Interestingly, in Southern Africa, the youngest REC, the EAC has been identified as one of AEC’s building blocs whilst Southern African Customs Union (SACU), the oldest and only functioning customs union was not. This paper highlights the benefits of identifying SACU as one of the AEC building blocs and goes on to urge a re-think in this regard. Key words: Regional integration, trade, SADC, Africa Union, regional economic communities.
Highlights
Regional integration in Africa OriginsThe origins of the aim, intent and drive towards the establishment of institutions and programs for theunification of the African continent are arguably deeply founded in the struggle against colonialism and colonial partition of the continent
Southern African Customs Union (SACU)’s plan beyond the current customs union remains unclear, probably lending credence to the assertion amongst certain quarters of the abandoning of the SACU project in favour of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) agenda once a SADC customs union has been achieved. This is further supported by the fact that SACU has not been identified by the African Union (AU) as an African Economic Community (AEC) building block theoretically crippling any ambitions of consolidation or expanding its customs union agenda in the region
This paper proposes that the future will lead to the gradual expansion of SACU with the eventual merging of SADC and SACU
Summary
South Africa Institute of International Affairs, Southern Africa. The AU, in April 2006, passed a resolution on the rationalisation and harmonisation of Regional economic communities (RECs). A moratorium and suspension of recognition of RECs followed in July. Eight RECs were identified as the building blocks to the African economic community (AEC). In Southern Africa, the youngest REC, the EAC has been identified as one of AEC’s building blocs whilst Southern African Customs Union (SACU), the oldest and only functioning customs union was not. This paper highlights the benefits of identifying SACU as one of the AEC building blocs and goes on to urge a re-think in this regard
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