BY SIXOLISIWE MRWEBO
The following essay will be providing a discussion based on the short writing of Sandra
Ochieng-Springer (2016). Drawing from a historical, theoretical and practical perspective, it
will discuss African regionalism within the context of the Abuja Treaty. This essay is structured
in three sections. Firstly, it will give a brief definition of regionalism and the Abuja Treaty.
The second section will be analysing the positive impact of the Abuja Treaty in relation to
African regionalism. Thirdly, it will discuss the flaws of the Abuja Treaty. Using varies sources
and authors, such as Gibb, this essay aims to illustrate that the framework of the Abuja Treaty
is from an economic perspective which disregards complex nature of African nations.
Defining regionalism and the Abuja Treaty
Regionalism, as defined by Gibb, is the norms and values that have shaped or form part or the
region world (2009: 701). This includes economic, political and social relations (Gibb, 2009:
701). African regionalism can be perceived as a continuing project with the aim of developing
and strengthening regional co-operation and integration amongst African nations (Zhai, 2016:
1).
Established in 1991, the Abuja Treaty- also known as the African Economic Community- was
built around the framework of African regionalism. An economic framework that asserts that
the Community should be founded in six stages with all involving the RECs (OchiengSpringer, 2016: 42). The objectives of this Treaty are trade and economic integration and
extends to the social and cultural development and cooperation in all aspects of human activity
(Erasmus, 2015). This approach aims to increase standard of life of Africa’s people and sustain
economic stability whilst creating a diplomatic relationship between the Member States
(Erasmus, 2015).
The impact of the Abuja Treaty
The elimination of non-tariff barriers is a concept that is extensively defined in the Abuja
Treaty (Ochieng-Springer, 2016: 49). The African continent, although has thriving countries,
most are developing nations. Therefore, the removal of tariffs between borders will allow for
greater integration and cheaper items for consumers and produces will not have to
accommodate the tariff (Shao, 2019). In addition, the expansion of infrastructure and
operations between nations will be easier (Shao, 2019).
Consequently, this leads to the second positive impact: the facilitation of trade (OchiengSpringer, 2016: 49). The Treaty outlines the need for a customs union that includes the
equalization of tariffs in trade with non-member countries (Ochieng-Springer, 2016: 49). This
ensures a harmonious environment of trade between with nations within the Treaty and those
that are not.
Flaws of the Abuja Treaty
The Abuja Treaty, although economically sound, does not take into account the different
colonial history of each nation. For example, the French colonial tax imposed on many African
countries is a hinderance to economic growth (Hundeyin, 2019). Therefore, using an economic
approach to boast growth and development does not account for the political and historical
factors of each nation. Thus, in agreement with Sandra Ochieng-Springer, the Abuja Treaty’s
emphasis on economic integration would result in uneven gains throughout African nations,
specifically sub-regions
Secondly, the Treaty does consider functional co-operation as the key component to
development (Ochieng-Springer, 2016: 45). As described by Sandra Ochieng-Springer,
functional co-operation brings into line the REC’s with the belief of subsidiarity (2016: 45). In
agreement with Ochieng-Springer, studies have revealed regional integration as taking form in
both the economic and non-economic sectors.
To conclude this essay, the Abuja Treaty is a market linear approach which aims at increasing
economic growth through harmonisation and removal or trade barriers. Although effective, it
has side-lined the complex nature of African nations and their histories.
Bibliography
Website:
Erasmus, G., 2015. How The CFTA Could Advance The Framework Of The Abuja Treaty.
[online] tralac. Available at: <https://www.tralac.org/publications/article/8046-how-the-cftacould-advance-the-framework-of-the-abuja-treaty.html> [Accessed 22 October 2020].
Shao, G., 2019. What You Should Know About Africa’S Massive, 54-Country Trade Bloc.
[online] CNBC. Available at: <https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/11/africa-free-trade-what-isthe-afcfta.html> [Accessed 23 October 2020].
Journal:
Ochieng-Springer, S., 2016. Sub-Regionalism Within the African Union: Does It Enhance
Regional Integration?. International Journal of African Development, 4(1).