Disaggregated Development: Between ‘Trade, Industrialisation and Migration’

Abstract

Regional development in today’s society is critical. It should be viewed from regional integration lenses informed by trade, migration and industrialisation. Regional integration has earned political support in African Union member states, but why is it stalling at implementation level? One argues that trade and industrialisation initiatives across the continent are only possible if regional integration and development agenda could gain traction. Employing qualitative methodologies, the study disaggregates development by exploring trade, migration and industrialisation across borders to underscore the causal effect and dividends of regional integration and economic development. The study argues that Africa needs active industrial policy encompassing effective implementation of regional trade agreements (RTAs) and protocols on trade and development as stimulus to creating a conducive trade environment across the regional borders and beyond. This requires collaboration of states and the business community to facilitate such a policy to ensure transformation and economic recovery in the region. Besides states collaborative support, capabilities and technical support (including infrastructure and information technology) should be further developed and improved. Migration issues also deserve disaggregated attention to have a clear picture of why African migrants migrate since they have the potential to disrupt or strengthen the African regional integration project.