Enhancing Trade Facilitation for Economic Integration within IGAD: Challenges and Strategies
Regional economic integration is a cornerstone for development and stability in emerging markets, driving growth through enhanced cooperation and interconnectedness. Globally, the significance of integrated economies is increasingly acknowledged which highlights how regional collaboration can foster sustainable development. However, in the Horn of Africa, despite its strategic location and resource wealth, numerous challenges impede economic integration. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), tasked with fostering regional cooperation and economic growth in the region, faces significant obstacles. This paper explores the multifaceted barriers to economic integration within IGAD, including political instability, divergent economic systems, and insufficient infrastructure. Persistent conflicts and governance issues have created an environment where cohesive regional strategies are difficult to implement. Utilizing a neorealist theoretical framework, the paper analyzes the reluctance of IGAD member states to fully engage in regional economic initiatives, driven by national interests and security concerns. It highlights the impact of infrastructural deficits, such as delays in the LAPSSET Corridor and incomplete projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which further exacerbate trade challenges. The study further examines how regulatory inconsistencies and political conflicts undermine the effectiveness of regional policies. The paper proposes practical strategies to overcome these barriers, including enhancing infrastructure development, promoting the free movement of goods and people, and fostering inclusive decision-making processes.
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