The impact of economic partnership agreements on regional intergration in Africa: a case study of EAC 2001-2008

Abstract

The research and preparation of this study was prompted by the popularity of the concept of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between regionally integrated organizations despite evidence of failure to witness any positive success in the integration initiatives in Africa.

The study sought to examine the influence of EP As on Regional Integration in Africa with a case study of East African Community between 2001 and 2008. It sought the meaning and impact of EP As on various sectors of the economy and it emerged that there are differing benefits of partnerships across the countries.

Data and information will be gathered through interviews with stakeholders and secondary data. Findings will be analysed and will provide for more knowledge in the field of regional integration and offer possible solutions to challenges faced by partner states in an endeavour to entering an EPA. The recommendations that have emerged in the study form a suitable basis for EAC to make policies that will foster positive growth in the economies especially the trade sector.

The study concludes in regard to the study objective and hypotheses that EPAs influence stronger regional integration. It also notes that EP As could destabilize regional integration unless states come up with ways of managing interests in order to achieve their integration goals such as political federation. This has also been demonstrated by theoretical, economic and policy forces which have influenced the partnership or disunity of the EPAs.