Sustainable intra-country transportation system: a panacea for African regional economic integration

Abstract

This study examined the scope of African’s regional economic integration and the role of transport infrastructure, domestic trade, trade facilitation, intra-African trade, market competitiveness, policies and planning, and regional economic communities (RECs). Trade and not aid, is the new mantra for those clamouring for unique solutions to solving African problems instead of soliciting for funds outside the continent. However, the figures for intra-Africa trading have not been impressive mostly due to infrastructural conditions. Trade and transport barriers lessen the competitiveness of locally manufactured goods. It is argued that a sustainable intra-country transport infrastructure has an immense impact on macroeconomics and development, therefore, it is an irreplaceable factor for wider economic integration. As such, single markets can merge with the regional ones with the aid of protocols and resolutions at the regional economic communities. The focus is entirely placed on the road transport because it is the mainstay of most African economies. An assessment was done on transport policies in Nigeria, as an example and some regional efforts too to improve the sector’s condition.