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Regional economic integration in southern Africa: An evaluation of SADCC's impact on trade
Abstract
The major aim of this dissertation is to analyze critically the issue of regional economic integration among developing countries in general, and among the members of the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC), in particular. In undertaking this task the dissertation focuses on the effect of SADCC on the trade flows of the member countries. Using a gravity model the dissertation shows that (i) SADCC has had a negligible effect on inter-member trade, (ii) South Africa is a de facto member of SADCC, (iii) trade ties between SADCC members and their ex-colonial powers have diminished since the establishment of SADCC, and (iv) trade between SADCC and other groups of countries including the 'Like-Minded' group and the European Community have not improved following SADCC's creation, either. Explanations for SADCC's very limited impact, especially on intra-SADCC trade, including drought, war, economic mismanagement, the high degree of export concentration, fluctuating and often declining international commodity prices, and the rising prices of imported inputs. The dissertation also argues that the dependence on foreign finances of SADCC 'Programme of Action' poses serious obstacles to the organization's autonomy.
Subject Area
Economics|Political science|Economic theory
Recommended Citation
Kalyalya, Denny Hamachila, "Regional economic integration in southern Africa: An evaluation of SADCC's impact on trade" (1993). Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest. AAI9316674.
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI9316674