What organization was created in 1963 to promote African unity?
The Organization of African Unity (OAU).
How many RECs are recognized by the African Union?
Eight (8).
When was COMESA founded?
In 1994 (replacing the Preferential Trade Area).
What is one major infrastructure challenge facing African integration?
Poor transport and energy networks.
What does GDP stand for?
Gross Domestic Product.
What 1980 plan aimed for Africa’s economic self-sufficiency?
The Lagos Plan of Action.
What does ECOWAS stand for?
Economic Community of West African States.
How many countries are members of COMESA?
21 countries.
Why is overlapping membership a problem for integration?
It causes confusion and duplication of trade rules.
Which country has the largest GDP in Africa?
Nigeria.
Which 1991 treaty planned the creation of the African Economic Community?
The Lagos Plan of Action.
Which REC focuses on Central Africa and uses the CFA franc as its currency?
CEMAC – Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa
: Name one key COMESA achievement.
Free Trade Area with 15 members (or Tripartite FTA with EAC and SADC).
What opportunity comes from Africa’s population structure?
A large and young workforce that can drive innovation.
What does a high inflation rate do to an economy?
It reduces purchasing power and makes prices unstable.
What organization replaced the OAU in 2002?
The African Union (AU).
Which North African bloc includes Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia?
UMA – Arab Maghreb Union.
What is the main goal of COMESA?
To promote trade liberalization and economic cooperation.
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”).
What common currency is used by 8 West African countries?
The CFA franc.
What is the main goal of the African Union’s integration efforts?
To unite Africa economically, socially, and politically through regional blocs
What is the ultimate goal of all RECs?
To serve as building blocks for the African Economic Community (AEC).
Name one COMESA cooperation mechanism outside trade.
COMESA Monetary Institute, Trade and Development Bank, or COMESA Court of Justice.
What critical change is needed for successful integration?
Strong political will and full implementation of agreements.
Why is macroeconomic stability important for integration?
It helps create stable conditions for trade, investment, and a potential common currency.