I.A.M - Magazine - Page 33
LEADERS CORNER
This diverts attention from crucial integration efforts,
weakening the ability of many states to meet their
financial commitments to regional initiatives.
Political unrest also forces leaders to delegate their
participation in regional discussions, prioritizing national
political survival over collective regional progress. As a
result, African integration suffers. To overcome these
challenges, Africa must focus on fostering political
stability, strengthening democratic institutions, and
aligning national and regional development plans to
drive long-term economic and political unity across the
continent.
How can regional governance structures address
political instability and conflicts that hinder integration?
Political stability is key to Africa’s integration goals. My
view is that regional governance structures can play a
crucial role in addressing political instability and
conflicts that hinder integration by promoting collective
security, facilitating dialogue, and enforcing democratic
norms. Bodies like the African Union (AU) and regional
economic communities (RECs) such as ECOWAS,
SADC, and EAC can act as mediators, providing neutral
platforms for conflict resolution and peace negotiations.
Their ability to deploy peacekeeping missions - as was
with ECOWAS interventions in Liberia and Sierra Leone
- helps to stabilize conflict-prone regions and create an
environment conducive to integration.
I would say in sum, that ultimately, fostering strong
institutions, encouraging political inclusiveness, and
promoting economic opportunities across borders are
essential strategies regional governance structures can
employ, to reduce instability and drive successful
integration.
And how will the AfDB continue accelerating its efforts
for an integrated Africa?
Guided by its current Ten-Year Strategy 2024–2033 which is hinged on its High 5s – the Bank is well
positioned to play a central role in accelerating the
integrate Africa vision. The TYS places regional
integration as one of its key priorities and commits to
scaling up investments in cross-border infrastructure
(transport, energy, ICT), supporting the implementation
of AfCFTA, and enhancing regional value chains. It also
emphasizes strengthening governance frameworks to
support integration, reducing non-tariff barriers,
improving border management, and fostering regional
financial integration. In addition, the Bank will continue
to partner with Regional Economic Communities and
the AU, while mobilizing both public and private
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investments to fund transformative, large-scale, and
sustainable integration projects.
By integrating cross-cutting priorities such as
governance, resilience, gender equality, and youth
empowerment into its regional integration efforts, AfDB
will ensure that the benefits of integration are inclusive
and far-reaching.
What else can be done to ensure AfDB stories of
impact
investments
reach
the
intended
beneficiaries and beyond?
Making regional integration widely known is actually the
responsibility of the African Union as the central policy
maker, along with the Regional Economic Communities
and governments. Our focus is on impactful regional
projects - what we consistently refer to as multinational
projects with regional impact. These represent tangible
contributions from the Bank. What's often missing is
vision among the political class. The bank stands ready
as an enabler - our purpose is to support well-designed
projects that connect countries and achieve continental
objectives and policies that also power integration.
Why is this layered approach necessary?
Africa's diversity makes a one-size-fits-all approach
impractical. RECs allow regions to integrate at their own
pace, addressing local challenges while gradually
aligning with continental goals. Successful regional
policies can then be scaled up through the AfCFTA. This
phased integration was envisioned in the Abuja Treaty,
which established the African Economic Community as
a stepping stone toward full continental unity.
How does all this affect ordinary Africans?
Effective integration means cheaper goods - due to
reduced tariffs; more job opportunities - from expanded
markets; and easier travel. Yet many Africans still face
prohibitive cost. For example, a one-hour flight between
African cities can cost as much $2,000 due to
protectionist policies. The integrate Africa vision is an
Africa where citizens move, work, and trade as freely as
within their own countries.
In sum, what’s needed to accelerate integration?
I can put it simply into three priorities: Governments
must implement existing REC agreements fully; Citizens
should demand policies that facilitate free movement
and trade; Media mediums including Integrate Africa
Magazines must continue to educate the public on these
issues.
