South African Economic and Trade Policy in Africa: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

Our paper provides a critical analysis of the dynamics of South African economic and trade policy in Africa in the post-settler colonial era. The dynamics of South African economic and trade policy in Africa are situated within the country's position in a hierarchy of economic, political, finan cial, technological, trade and military international power relations which extend from the United States of America at the centre of global capitalism to the African continent at the periphery of capitalism. South Africa's inter mediate position in international power relations helps to explain why South Africa's trade and economic relations with the rest of Africa are increasingly in favour of South Africa. Its Africa economic and trade policy is the product of this position. Discussing the strategic importance of other African countries to South Africa's economic and trade interests, our paper also discusses the reality that socio-political and economic policies of other African countries particularly those of Southern Africa enabled South Africa to achieve its economic and trade objectives throughout the continent. It concludes by indicating the enormous privileges and advantages South Africa enjoys in its economic and trade relations with the rest of Africa.