Economic Integration in Africa

In this work, Richard E. Mshomba offers an in-depth analysis of economic integration in Africa with a focus on the East African Community (EAC), arguably the most ambitious of all the regional economic blocs currently in existence in Africa. Economic Integration in Africa provides more than just an overview of regional economic blocs in Africa; it also offers a rich historical discussion on the birth and death of the first EAC starting with the onset of colonialism in the 1890s, and a systematic analysis of the birth, growth, and aspirations of the current EAC. Those objectives include forming a monetary union and eventually an East African political federation. This book also examines the African Union's aspirations for continent-wide integration as envisioned by the Abuja Treaty. Mshomba carefully argues that maturity of democracy and good governance in each country are prerequisites for the formation of a viable and sustainable East African federation and genuine continent-wide integration.

'To date, we have lacked authoritative studies of some of Africa's most important regional organizations, which has undermined our understanding of how African states engage with one another. Richard E. Mshomba has filled this gap for the East African Community, providing a thorough, clearly written and persuasive account of its strengths and weaknesses. This volume represents a significant contribution to the debate, and will be an important touchstone for academics, policy makers and practitioners alike.' Nic Cheeseman, University of Birmingham, 'Professor Richard E. Mshomba has produced an outstanding study that should be of utmost value to a wide variety of scholars, students, and policy practitioners. In cogent and compelling language, he has clarified the economic challenges and opportunities of regional economic federations; he has brought us a compelling history of the efforts to achieve regional economic integration in Eastern Africa. His analysis and conclusions will be of interest to scholars of economic integration throughout the developing world.' Michael F. Lofchie, University of California, Los Angeles

Richard E. Mshomba is Professor of Economics at La Salle University, Philadelphia. Born and raised in Tanzania, he received a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He is the author of Africa in the Global Economy (2000), a Choice Outstanding Academic Book, and Africa and the World Trade Organization (Cambridge, 2009).