Africa’s pursuit of regional integration has long been a central theme in its development narrative. The continent’s regional blocs—ECOWAS in West Africa, EAC in East Africa, and SADC in Southern Africa—were established to foster economic growth, enhance mobility, ensure security and promote collaboration among member states. As of 2025, these blocs stand at critical junctures, grappling with internal and external pressures that test their resilience and commitment to integration.
Despite trade under the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) officially commencing on Jan. 1, 2021, the anticipated improvements in intra-African trade have yet to materialise. Intra-African trade as a share of total trade declined from 14.5 percent in 2021 to 13.7 percent in 2022. Over the same period, intra-African exports fell from 18.22 percent to 17.89 percent of total exports, while imports dropped from 12.81 percent to 12.09 percent. Nonetheless, projections indicate that by 2045, intra-African trade could increase by 45 percent and contribute a 1.2 percent rise to the continent’s GDP.
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Where Do We Stand?
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) estimates that intra-African trade remains below 20 percent, despite decades of regional integration efforts. ECOWAS accounts for around 10–12 percent of this trade, SADC approximately 23 percent, and the EAC about 15 percent. According to the World Bank, full implementation of AfCFTA could boost intra-African trade by over 52 percent by 2035 and lift around 30 million people out of extreme poverty. These figures highlight both the potential of regional blocs and the distance Africa must still travel to realise the full benefits of integration.
ECOWAS: Navigating Political Turbulence and Economic Challenges
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), established in 1975, has been a cornerstone of regional cooperation in West Africa. However, recent political upheavals have strained its cohesion. In 2024, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger—each governed by military juntas—announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS, citing dissatisfaction with the bloc’s handling of their internal crises. Their departure, expected to be finalised by July 2025, carries weighty implications, as the three countries together account for roughly 10 percent of ECOWAS’s GDP and 16 percent of its population.
This exit has not only eroded political unity but also hampered economic integration. The bloc’s flagship initiative, the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway, aims to boost intra-regional trade from its current 12–15 percent to 40 percent, significantly cutting transport costs. However, instability and shifting alliances—such as the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) by the withdrawing nations—present clear hurdles to these ambitions. Meanwhile, ECOWAS’s longstanding goal of adopting a common currency, the Eco, remains stalled amid divergent macroeconomic indicators and growing nationalistic sentiment among member states.
EAC: Harmonising Standards Amidst Diversity
The East African Community (EAC) has made notable strides in economic integration. Among its key achievements is the harmonisation of 1,918 regional standards, which has simplified trade and created a more predictable business environment. The implementation of One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) has also cut border crossing times by 70 percent, generating annual savings of over USD 63 million.
Nonetheless, challenges persist. While customs procedures have been streamlined, disparities in infrastructure development and regulatory environments continue to hinder seamless integration. The bloc’s support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)—through policies aimed at improving market access and financial inclusion—is promising, but delivery remains key. Political tensions, such as those between Rwanda and Burundi, and economic rivalry between Kenya and Tanzania, also pose obstacles to cohesion.
SADC: Building Bridges Through Infrastructure
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has prioritised infrastructure and trade facilitation to advance regional integration. The February 2025 launch of the Time Release Study Report for the North-South Trade Corridor seeks to identify and address logistical bottlenecks, enhancing the movement of goods. Intra-SADC trade currently stands at 23 percent, with further growth potential through ongoing trade facilitation initiatives.
Beyond trade, SADC has invested in energy interconnectivity via projects like the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), which enables countries to share electricity resources and stabilise supply. The bloc has also played an active role in peace and security, including successful mediation efforts in Lesotho and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Still, challenges persist, notably in institutional coordination, uneven industrialisation and disparities in infrastructure investment across member states.
The Tripartite Free Trade Area: A Continental Ambition
The coming into force of the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) on July 25, 2024, marks a major milestone in Africa’s integration agenda. The TFTA brings together 29 member states, representing 53 percent of African Union membership and over 60 percent of the continent’s GDP. By combining three major regional blocs, the TFTA aims to expand market access, resolve overlapping memberships and harmonise trade policies.
Its strategic focus on market integration, infrastructure and industrialisation complements the broader objectives of AfCFTA. However, the bloc’s success hinges on effective implementation—particularly the enforcement of agreed protocols, removal of non-tariff barriers and inclusive engagement of all member states. Analysts suggest the TFTA may serve as a testing ground for broader continental integration, offering lessons on managing multi-state agreements and shared governance structures.
The Human Dimension of Integration
Regional integration is not solely an economic or infrastructural concern—it directly affects the lives of millions. Mobility remains a critical issue. The EAC has introduced a common passport and liberalised labour movement, but progress elsewhere lags. ECOWAS, while officially allowing visa-free travel among citizens, often sees movement hampered by bureaucratic delays and security-related restrictions. In SADC, the absence of coordinated migration policies contributes to border tensions and exploitation of migrant labour.
Furthermore, integration must encompass human security, cultural exchange and shared identity. Africa’s youth—over 60 percent of the population—stand to gain significantly from initiatives such as cross-border education, digital connectivity and regional job creation. For integration to be meaningful, regional blocs must craft inclusive policies that empower young people to participate and thrive.
The Road Ahead
Africa’s regional blocs have achieved considerable progress in driving integration, but significant hurdles remain. Political instability, infrastructure gaps and uneven commitment across states threaten to undermine gains. To stay on course, ECOWAS, EAC and SADC must strengthen institutional mechanisms, galvanise political will and promote equitable development.
The success of Africa’s integration depends on the ability of these blocs to respond to evolving challenges, align national interests with collective goals and deliver real-world benefits. As the continent advances toward unity, future strategies must be informed by past lessons. For Africa’s integration dream to materialise, it must move beyond policy papers to grassroots impact—where ordinary Africans experience tangible benefits in mobility, opportunity and shared prosperity.
