International conference on understanding contemporary Africa: India and south‐south co‐operation

Abstract

The process of regional integration in now inextricably linked to that of economic development. Myriad regional and sub‐regional organisations in Africa testify to intensive efforts to harness regional co‐operation to the task of African development. However, there is a striking contradiction between emphasis on the need for economic co‐operation and integration in Africa and the scanty evidence of practical success. The article argues that the stress which virtually all African integration schemes place on a traditional market integration approach rather than the infrastructure and production‐focused strategy puts the cart before the horse. The case is put for attention to be given to human and resource development, including steps to the creation of a long‐lasting intellectual foundation for movement towards an African economic community.