AFRICA DAY: Launch of Report on African Economic Integration

Nkrumah and other African leaders saw African Economic Integration as a long – term goal for African states.  Although many steps have already been taken towards this objective, there have also been a number of challenges. 

The Building Bridges Programme at the GSDPP recognizes the challenges related to African Economic Integration. While we should not underestimate the progress that has been made towards economic integration in Africa, we need to understand why we are not doing better. Economic integration is part of the process of moving forward, not only to economic prosperity, but also to greater cultural understanding, and moving away from the xenophobia that we have experienced from time to time.   

First, we brought the experts together. Then the young leaders, then we convened some of the more influential policymakers, and finally we held a series of meetings around the continent in an effort to build momentum for reform coalitions.   

All of this work culminates in the launch of our African Economic Integration Report, which brings together some of our findings that reflect on the theme. But the lasting legacy of this year, we believe, is in bringing key members of the reform coalition together, and helping to build a network that will help drive integration forward.   

The African Economic Integration Report launch event (A panel discussion with Prof. Alan Hirsch and Ambassador Faizel Ismail) will take place in conjunction with our Africa Day celebrations, co-hosted by the International Academic Programmes Office (IAPO) on Wednesday 25 May 2016 at Linkoping House, 27 Burg Road, Middle Campus, Rondebosch, UCT.   Time: 17h00 – 19h00.  

Thereafter, our guests are invited to attend the Africa Day Concert at the Baxter Theatre at 20h15.   Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Mabel Sithole at mabel.sithole@uct.ac.za by Friday 20 May 2016.