A steep slippery slope: African Union and the development question

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Periodical article

Title:	A steep slippery slope: African Union and the development question
Authors:	Saliu, Hassan A. Aremu, Fatai A.
Year:	2008
Periodical:	Nigerian Journal of International Affairs (ISSN 0331-3646)
Volume:	34
Issue:	2
Pages:	9-27
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Africa
Subjects:	development African Union economic integration
Abstract:	Africa is addressing two critical issues at once: integration and development. This paper argues that foreign direct investment (FDI) or official development assistance (ODA) do not hold the key to resolving Africa's development crisis. The African Union would fair better not to rely excessively on both, but to explore other possible and realistic endogenous options. Contrary to popular thinking, there is a strong basis for intra-African trade both within and between the respective units within the AU. What is rather lacking is the conducive environment that would allow intraregional trade to grow and flourish. Addressing the multiple challenges to intra-African trade would determine whether the AU would be different from its predecessor, the OAU. The diverse and often conflicting identities in the region could be harmonized if the AU and its member States design and pursue programmes that would encourage cultural interaction across the continent. Notes, ref., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract]