Harmonising the Legal Frameworks of SADC, EAC and ECOWAS Through Regional Integration Under the Abuja Treaty: An Analysis of the Similarities, Differences and Challenges
Harmonising the Legal Frameworks of SADC, EAC and ECOWAS Through Regional Integration Under the Abuja Treaty: An Analysis of the Similarities, Differences and Challenges

Summary/Abstract: Regional integration is one of the main catalysts that fuels and drive development. Integrating all the eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in Africa is a fundamental aspect toward enhancing the economic development of the continent. Accordingly, the African Union (AU) through the Abuja Treaty encourages the establishment of the African Economic Community (AEC) regarded as the deepest form of economic regional integration. Consequently, beside the creation of RECs, the Abuja Treaty also encourages trade liberation and the abolitions of; Custom Duties (CD), levies on import and export goods, non-tariffs barriers and the establishment of Free Trade (FT), Common Market (CM) and special treatment among Member States. Despite some challenges regarding the different legal frameworks of the RECS, there are area of similarities and plenty of rooms for integration. Hence, harmonising the legal frameworks of Southern African Development Community (SADC), the East African Economic Community (EAC) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been made possible despite some challenges created by the various legal frameworks. Consequently, this article through a qualitative research method examines the various legal frameworks of SADC, EAC and ECOWAS through regional integration by looking into area of similarities and differences. The challenges posed by these legal frameworks through integration will further be examined before concluding with proposed solutions including recaps of legal frameworks thereby paving the way for further research in this area of the law.

• Details
• Contents