2026/04/07 by Nur Nabilah Mohamed · 1 voice
Economics, Econometrics and Finance · Computer Science · Business, Management and Accounting · #Global trade and economics #Economic Growth and Development #Global trade, sustainability, and social impact
paper · doi:10.1080/13597566.2026.2651728
openalex publication_date 2026/04/07 · openalex created_date 2026/04/08 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Regional integration in Africa has long been viewed as a way to promote trade and strengthen cooperation among states. Since its re-establishment in 2000, the East African Community (EAC) has fostered integration through common markets and a customs union that eased the free movement of goods. This study examines EAC integration across trade, industry, and agriculture, as well as the key challenges it faces, including trade imbalances, overlapping regional communities, and tensions between formal regional commitments and member states' political interests. The study employs a qualitative, theory-driven approach by applying Neofunctionalism, New regionalism, and Dependency theory. The findings indicate that the EAC has achieved success in integrating the trade, agricultural, and industrial sectors but is constrained by regional core-periphery dynamics that prevent deeper regionalism.