African Integration History
Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
COMESA Focus
Challenges & Opportunities
Macroeconomic Indicators
100

What organization was created in 1963 to promote African unity?

The Organization of African Unity (OAU).

100

How many RECs are recognized by the African Union?

Eight (8).


100

When was COMESA founded?

In 1994 (replacing the Preferential Trade Area).

100

What is one major infrastructure challenge facing African integration?

Poor transport and energy networks.

100

What does GDP stand for?

Gross Domestic Product.

200

What 1980 plan aimed for Africa’s economic self-sufficiency?

The Lagos Plan of Action.

200

What does ECOWAS stand for?

Economic Community of West African States.

200

How many countries are members of COMESA?

21 countries.

200

Why is overlapping membership a problem for integration?

It causes confusion and duplication of trade rules.

200

Which country has the largest GDP in Africa?

Nigeria.

300

Which 1991 treaty planned the creation of the African Economic Community?

The Lagos Plan of Action.

300

Which REC focuses on Central Africa and uses the CFA franc as its currency?

CEMAC – Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa

300

: Name one key COMESA achievement.

Free Trade Area with 15 members (or Tripartite FTA with EAC and SADC).

300

What opportunity comes from Africa’s population structure?

A large and young workforce that can drive innovation.

300

What does a high inflation rate do to an economy?

It reduces purchasing power and makes prices unstable.

400

What organization replaced the OAU in 2002?

The African Union (AU).

400

Which North African bloc includes Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia?

UMA – Arab Maghreb Union.

400

What is the main goal of COMESA?

To promote trade liberalization and economic cooperation.

400

How did COVID-19 influence regional cooperation in Africa?

It led to stronger calls for market integration and joint industrialization (AfCFTA seen as “Africa’s stimulus package”).

400

What common currency is used by 8 West African countries?

The CFA franc.

500

What is the main goal of the African Union’s integration efforts?

To unite Africa economically, socially, and politically through regional blocs

500

What is the ultimate goal of all RECs?

To serve as building blocks for the African Economic Community (AEC).

500

Name one COMESA cooperation mechanism outside trade.

COMESA Monetary Institute, Trade and Development Bank, or COMESA Court of Justice.


500

What critical change is needed for successful integration?

Strong political will and full implementation of agreements.

500

Why is macroeconomic stability important for integration?

It helps create stable conditions for trade, investment, and a potential common currency.

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