Deconstructing Neo-Functionalism In The Quest For a Paradigm Shift In african Integration: Post-Neo-Functionalism and The Prognostication of The Proposed Continental Free Trade area In africa

Abstract

-Historically, integration in Africa preceded European colonialism and as well predated European integration. But in the scramble for Africa, the continent was partitioned into specific spheres of influence in the Berlin Conference (1884-1885) among the various European powers. This partitioning has continued to haunt Africa many years after colonialism, reinforcing the fragmentation of African economies. The shadow of the Conference is still with us such that after over a century of pan-Africanism and five decades of modern integration in Africa, African economies remain decimated. Yet all the hitherto existing theories of integration such as functionalism, neo-functionalism, complex interdependence, intergovermentalism, etc. are Euro-centric, western, parochial, or tailor-made for European integration, and therefore, not apt to explain the defects, failures and drawbacks of African integration. Thus, there is need to deconstruct them in the quest for paradigm shift in African integration. With the use of qualitative method and some indices from the secondary sources, and by relying on a new theory of post-neo-functionalism, a synthesis of neo-nationalism, post-nationalism and humanism, this paper concludes that the proposed Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) would be confronted with some challenges capable of overcoming, impeding or confounding its prospects, or even pre-empting it. The study is essentially critical and prognostic.