Federation in East Africa

by Colin Leys

A notable development in Africa in recent years has been the interest shown in a developing African unity. In the political field there is a widespread desrie to replace the often irrational country boundaries imposed by the former colonial powers by wider groupings, and many Africans regard the achievement of continental unity as an ultimate goal. In the economic field integration of various kinds is seen as a valuable means of bringing about a faster rate of economic growth and of overcoming poverty. So far political regrouping has made little progress. On the other hand a number of important examples of economic integration have been developed and others are being actively discussed. Among the examples of economic integration one of the most important and long established is the East African Common Market which covers Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Beginning over 40 years ago these countries have achieved an impressive degree of co-operation in economic matters. Their experience shoul