Introduction

African regionalism has evolved through the years from state-centered economic blocs to a
multifaceted and more complex orientation. Economic, political, and social integration among
both state and non-state actors is a dominant paradigm applied to examine African regionalism.
Expanded African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Regional Economic Communities
(RECs), and the security role of the African Union confirm this pattern. However, poor
institutions, political instability, and economic disparities continue to be the challenges. In this
paper, the relevance of New Regionalism in Africa is explored, highlighting its key features,
economic integration, and political-security dimensions.

Key Features of New Regionalism and Their Application to Africa

Broad Dimensions of Regionalism
African New Regionalism goes beyond economics to include political, social, and cultural
issues. The AU and ECOWAS organizations promote conflict resolution, democracy, and
governance, representing a broader agenda. Cross-border education and Swahili promotion are
two social and cultural projects that help to strengthen regional identity (Dal, 2023). An
interdisciplinary approach ensures that regionalism fosters cooperation that goes beyond trade
and economics. An interdisciplinary approach ensures regionalism promotes cooperation that
exceeds trade and commerce.

Involvement of Non-State Actors

Non-state actors are the principal driving forces for New Regionalism in Africa through the
mobilizing policies outside the governmental sphere. The private sector drives economic
integration by ensuring cross-border investment and trade, while civil society ensures
governance, human rights, and social development (Kabbaj, 1996). Diaspora mobilizes regional
integration by transferring knowledge, sending remittances, and cultural exchange, thereby
increasing regionalization. Action by the private sector, such as the African Business Council,
shapes AfCFTA trade policy. This enhanced involvement of non-state actors raises regional
cooperation, hence integrating more inclusively and dynamically.

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Open Regionalism
African open regionalism enables the states to integrate into the global markets and increase
regional economic integration. Regional Economic Communities (RECs) like ECOWAS, SADC,
and EAC promote foreign direct investment, trade liberalization, and growing market access
(Oyejide, 2000). Treaties like AfCFTA promote world competitiveness by reducing the barriers
to trade and regulatory harmonization. The relationship between Africa and the European Union,
China, and the United States of America also exhibits this outward orientation. Through
balancing regional integration with international engagement, open regionalism complements
Africa's growth and economic development.

Application in Africa
Through sanctions and diplomatic interventions, the AU and regional organizations actively seek
to prevent unconstitutional changes in government. Recent efforts in Mali, Guinea, and Niger
show their commitment to upholding democracy and stability, so enhancing the effectiveness of
the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), which strengthens governance by assessing
political and economic practices across African states.

Utilizing investment, employment generation, and social initiatives, multinational companies

(MNCs) and NGOs significantly contribute to Africa's growth. Through sectors including energy,
telecommunications, and manufacturing, MNCs support regional commerce and infrastructure
development promoting economic growth. Often partnering with governments and RECs, NGOs
assist poverty reduction, healthcare, education, and good government. Their impact spans policy
advocacy, environmental sustainability, and humanitarian relief throughout the continent.
Improved long-term growth and integration of Africa depend on strengthening cooperation
among MNCs, NGOs, and regional entities.

Economic Integration and New Regionalism in Africa

AfCFTA as a New Regionalism Model
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) seeks to achieve one African market through
the integration of African economies on the continent. AfCFTA seeks to eliminate trade barriers,
enhance intra-African trade, and build a single economic space. Through the free circulation of
goods, services, and investment, AfCFTA enhances regional integration and competitiveness
( Zongwe, 2024). The integration encourages industrialization, employment, and sustainable

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economic development. A well-established single market would enhance Africa's position as a
competitive player in global trade.

Role of Regional Economic Communities (RECs)

Regional Economic Communities like ECOWAS, SADC, EAC, and COMESA lead Africa's
regional integration via trade, security, and development collaborations. They promote economic
development through the establishment of free trade zones, enhancement of infrastructure, and
policy harmonization (Maiyers, 2024). Overlapping memberships create issues, leading to policy
inconsistencies and inefficiencies in implementation. The disparity in economic policy and
political objectives among member states hinders complete integration. Enhancing collaboration
among Regional Economic Communities (RECs) is essential for realizing Africa's overarching
regional integration objectives.

Infrastructure Development and Cross-Border Trade

Infrastructure development is crucial in advancing regional integration and facilitating cross-
border trade in Africa. The Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) seeks to
improve transport, energy, and communication networks to enhance connectivity. Improving
regional roadways, railways, and power grids promotes seamless trade and economic
advancement (Tayo, 2024). Better infrastructure lowers the cost, enhances supply chains, and
attracts cross-border investment. Network integration is vital to tapping Africa's economic
potential under institutions like AfCFTA. Better infrastructure lowers the cost, enhances supply
chains, and attracts cross-border investment. Network integration is vital to tapping Africa's
economic potential under institutions like AfCFTA.

Political and Security Dimensions of African Regionalism

African Union (AU) and Peacekeeping Efforts
The African Union (AU) also promotes conflict resolution on the continent through mediation
and peacekeeping. It has intervened in crises like the Sudan and Ethiopia, mediating the talks and
restoring stability. AU peacekeeping missions under its leadership, for instance, the mission in
Somalia (AMISOM) and in the Central African Republic, restore stability to conflict zones
(Oyejide, 2000). Regional bodies like ECOWAS also come to the rescue by sending
peacekeeping forces and enforcing diplomatic solutions. Supplementing these efforts is the path
to the realization of sustained peace and security in Africa.

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Sub-regional Security Cooperation
The efficacy of Africa's peacekeeping and conflict resolution initiatives is fundamentally reliant
on sub-regional organizations. ECOWAS has interfered in Mali and Guinea by deploying
peacekeeping forces and facilitating diplomatic discussions. Similarly, SADC has conducted
counter-terrorism operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique, in addition
to peacekeeping missions (Maiyers, 2024). These organizations enhance regional stability by
military intervention, diplomacy, and legislative reforms. The preservation of peace and stability
in Africa relies on the establishment of sub-regional security alliances.

Democracy Promotion and Governance Coordination:

By evaluating political, economic, and corporate policies across members states, the African Peer
Review Mechanism (APRM) advances good government. By upholding democratic standards
and penalties, the AU and regional bodies help to stop unlawful changes in government. Recent
initiatives aimed at preserving stability and constitutional rule highlight those in Mali, Guinea,
and Niger (Tayo, 2024). Strengthening the APRM increases responsibility and supports
democratic government in Africa.

Conclusion
African regionalism has transitioned from conventional state-centric frameworks to a more
dynamic, multi-faceted paradigm, embodying the tenets of New Regionalism. The African
Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the role of Regional Economic Communities (RECs),
and the increasing influence of non-state actors collectively indicate Africa's commitment to
deeper political and economic integration. Substantial obstacles remain, including inadequate
institutions, political instability, and economic inequalities. African nations must emphasize
institutional improvement to enable regional integration, ensuring that Regional Economic
Communities (RECs) operate effectively with well-defined goals and enforcement mechanisms.
Improved governance frameworks are anticipated to strengthen political stability; organizations
like the African Union (AU) actively promote democracy and conflict prevention. Accelerating
infrastructure development will improve trade and connectivity; including non-state actors,
namely the private sector and civil society, into regional policy guarantees equitable growth. By
confronting these obstacles, Africa can fully realize the potential of New Regionalism, ultimately
improving regional stability and promoting sustainable economic development.

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