African Regional and Sub-Regional Organizations: Assessing Their Contribution to Economic Integration and Conflict Management

As one examines the Africa of today, its potential and its problems, its progress and its past, there are a number of recent developments that augur well for the future. This evolution gives Africa’s leaders the tools and framework to fashion its way forward and to secure Africa’s rightful role in the global order. The end of the Cold War, the liberation of minority ruled southern Africa, the emergence of the World Trade Organization and the Africa Growth and Opportunities Act, the focus on HIV/AIDS and related public health issues by the international community as well as the growth of civil society and pressures for democratic change throughout the continent, among many other things, all have resulted in an Africa that is markedly changed and full of potential. Now in its third post-colonialism generation, Africa is still beset with conflicts and development challenges, but it also boasts states that have made the transition, some smoothly and some more awkwardly, to democratic governance and have established the sound and diversified economies needed to support and sustain these transitions.