Exploring the citizen inclusiveness and micro-economic empowerment aspects of regional integration in Africa

The history of regional integration in Africa dates back to the pre-independence period when the colonial powers established regional schemes with the primary intent to preserve their interests on the continent. Only in the post-colonial period did regionalism come to be seen as a strategy for development and economic emancipation. Although the main idea behind the latter concept of regional co-operation was the establishment of continental institutions with adequate economic and political influence to demand fair international economic relations, these institutions have been beset by multiple challenges that have impaired their effectiveness.