REGIONAL COOPERATION AND ORGANIZATION: AFRICAN STATES

Abstract

This chapter discusses the regional cooperation and organization of African states. After independence, African states entered into a number of international conventions and arrangements inter se. Many of these were economic, technical, and cultural in nature. The post-independence relations and collaboration among African states portray deep concern with the effects of integration, and coordination on the industrialization and development of the African continent. Even though the trend toward economic integration is common at present on the African scene, trade relations among African countries are poor and underdeveloped. The aim of regional economic, social, and technical cooperation among African countries has been, in essence, to lessen their vulnerability and dependence on the outside world by encouraging African trade to get better terms from the developed world. Competitive economics, transport problems, and dependence on Europe provide, however, little freedom of action for African countries. Article XIII of the OAU Charter entrusts the Council of Ministers with the function of coordinating inter-African cooperation in accordance with the instructions of the Assembly, and in conformity with Article 11 of the present Charter.