Advancing Regional Integration in Southern Africa: An evidence-based, forward looking study on regional trade and integration in the Tripartite region, focusing primarily on Southern Africa

This study by ECDPM and SAANA Consulting for the UK Department for International Development (DFID) examines regional trade and integration in the Tripartite region, focusing primarily on Southern Africa. Based on an overview of past experience in supporting regional integration, a mapping of current policies and plans and a horizon scan, the study provides evidence-based recommendations for future interventions in regional trade and economic integration by DFID and other development partners in the region.

The report argues that the evolution of current DFID-thinking and corporate priorities on transformational economic growth and poverty reduction can be well-linked in the context of future programming on regional trade and integration in Southern Africa. Secondly, the importance of understanding the political economy (PE) framework and how PE issues can be included in future programming relate to – for example – negotiation and implementation of regional trade agreements, harmonising trade facilitation systems at borders, and accelerating regional infrastructure development.

Read the report here:

In addition to structural support by ECDPM's institutional partners The Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, and Austria, this publication also benefits from funding from the Department of International Development (DFID), United Kingdom.