The tripartite free trade agreement among the EAC, COMESA & SADC as an approach to foster regional integration in Africa - a critical analysis

Abstract

The Tripartite Free Trade Agreement among the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) was announced in October 2008. It aims to serve two goals. First it complements the broader objectives of the African Union to establish the African Economic Community by 2034 latest. Second it aims to foster intra-regional trade within Africa which is, in parts, still insignificant. Therefore, this thesis will critically analyse the legal and rational frameworks within which the new Free Trade Area aims to operate. Moreover, this thesis will consider the challenges that interfere with fostering regional integration by analysing product categories that are excluded (sensitive products) and by identifying selected non-tariff obstacles to trade.