The ‘Calculus’ of Integration or Differentiation in Africa: Post-neo-functionalism and the Future of African Regional Economic Communities (RECs)

Abstract

The ghost of Berlin Conference (1884-1885) that partitioned Africa into specific spheres of influence has continued to haunt Africa many years after colonialism through neo-colonial ties thereby consolidating and reinforcing the balkanisation of African economies. The principal findings of this study, therefore, are that the regional economic integration in Africa has been largely undermined by one, overlapping memberships; two, numerous subgroupings; and three, proliferation of regional economic blocs. The resultant effect is differentiation, fragmentation, decimation or disintegration in Africa. The paper recommends that there is need to problematise neo-functionalism and elevate post-neo-functionalism as a viable option for African integration.

Keywords: Post-neo-functionalism, integration, functionalism, neo-functionalism, differentiation and Africa