Regional co-operation: lessons from African history

Abstract

In discussing the historical significance of regional co-operation in Africa, it is imperative to explain problems which have hindered co-operation, noting in particular, the effects of colonialism on the quality of the African Human Factor (HF) which is cardinal to the development of any organization, institution, region or country. Two main forms of regional co-operation existed before the invasion of Africa by Arab and European imperialism.These were commercial long-distance trade and the political formation of large states through the unification of several small ones. In suggesting how present day Africa could evolve new forms of regional cooperation, emphasis in this regard should be placed on developing the appropriate HF first which would be capable of bringing about the desired co-operation.