Regional economic blocs in Africa have emerged as significant policy instruments for fostering regional integration and development. South Africa, as a pivotal player, has observed these developments with interest. The study employs a qualitative approach to review existing literature and secondary data sources related to regional integration efforts in Africa. Expert interviews were also conducted for deeper insights. A notable finding is the varied effectiveness of these blocs in promoting economic growth and social cohesion across different regions, with some blocs showing significant improvement over others. The analysis underscores the importance of tailored regional policies that address specific governance challenges to maximise the benefits of regional integration. Policy recommendations include fostering closer collaboration among member states within blocs and encouraging dialogue on equitable resource distribution strategies.
Magwaza et al. (2004) studied this question.