This paper attempts to discuss the notion that SADC integration is measured as logged years of membership in the SADC. The on-going project of Southern African Development Community (SADC) integration can be seen as a particular form of regionalization, which Perkmann and Sum (2002) view as the creation of a relatively homogeneous economic space accompanied by a high degree of transnational coordination and governance, all within a defined geographic space. This is to say regional integration serves a role in breaking the boundaries that impede trade and exchange of skills, ideas, services and people as they have a constraining impact on regional growth and development. However, according to Elizabeth Price (2021), there are some risk factors which may hinder successful regional integration inclusive of differences in individual state preferences and national priorities, lack of complementary policies and institutions and the exploitation of some members by the others. SADC is a non-exception to these complexities making it part and parcel of what Wilmoth (2017), terms to be the 'realities of African regionalism' where economists describe the process of regional economic integration in Africa largely as a failure in terms of trade, investment, global and regional value chains, skilled labor and entrepreneurship mobility, business cooperation, and policy coordination due to assuming a linear model of integration.
1.0. INTRODUCTION
The on-going project of Southern African Development Community (SADC) integration can be seen as a particular form of regionalization, which Perkmann and Sum (2002) view as the creation of a relatively homogeneous economic space accompanied by a high degree of transnational coordination and governance, all within a defined geographic space. This is to say regional integration serves a role in breaking the boundaries that impede trade and exchange of skills, ideas, services and people as they have a constraining impact on regional growth and development. However, according to Elizabeth Price (2021), there are some risk factors which may hinder successful regional integration inclusive of differences in individual state preferences and national priorities, lack of complementary policies and institutions and the exploitation of some members by the others. SADC is a non-exception to these complexities making it part and parcel of what Wilmoth (2017), terms to be the ‘realities of African regionalism’ where economists describe the process of regional economic integration in Africa largely as a failure in terms of trade, investment, global and regional value chains, skilled labor and entrepreneurship mobility, business cooperation, and policy coordination due to assuming a linear model of integration. This raises the notion discussed in this narrative that, SADC integration, is measured as logged years of membership in the SADC.
This paper attempts to discuss on the aforementioned notion. It first introduces the paper, then secondly brings an elucidation of regional integration as a concept and next section, focus is given to the southern African development community with the aim of highlighting the level of integration (what is being integrated), how integration is done in the region and how it may be done. The fourth section addresses challenges facing the regional integration and recommendations: the case of SADC and lastly there is a conclusion.
2.0. UNDERSTANDING REGIONAL INTEGRATION
Scholars define regional integration as a process in which states merge and form networks voluntarily with their neighbors in efforts to acquire new techniques for resolving conflicts and sharing ideas while in process losing some attributes of sovereignty (Haas, 1971). To some, it is a worldwide phenomenon of territorial systems that increases the interactions between their components and creates new forms of organisation, co-existing with traditional forms of state-led organization at the national level (De Lombaerde & Van Langenhove, 2007). Simply put, it is the process by which states within a particular region increase their level interaction with regard to economic, security, political, or social and cultural issues (Ginkel & Langenhove, 2003). This level of interaction according to Lombaerde et al (2007) should be able to achieve eight functions inclusive of: the strengthening of trade integration in the region; creation of an appropriate enabling environment for private sector development; development of infrastructure programmes in support of economic growth and regional integration; the development of strong public sector institutions and good governance; the reduction of social exclusion and the development of an inclusive civil society; contribution to peace and security in the region; the building of environment programmes at the regional level; and the strengthening of the region's interaction with other regions of the world.
To achieve its functions Beretta (2008) submits that regional integration takes a certain structure to function based on seven main levels being a preferential trading area, a free trade area, a customs union, a common market, an economic union, an economic and monetary union, and complete economic integration. Free trade area is where member countries remove all barriers to trade between themselves but are free to independently determine trade policies with non-member nations. Customs union provides for economic cooperation as in a free-trade zone (Beretta, 2008). Barriers to trade are removed between member countries and the primary difference from the free trade area is that members agree to treat trade with non-member countries in a similar manner.
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- Quote paper
- Aone Tlalang (Author), 2021, The Notion of SADC Integration. Measured as Logged Years of Membership in the SADC, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1160899
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