Intra-Regional Trade in Africa in the Era of Regional Integration

Abstract: A global surge in the number of regional trade agreements has taken place since the 1990s. Their impact on the trade patterns and development of participating countries has been a frequent topic of debate. In this study I analyse the impact of joining a regional trade on the trade patterns of African countries. I find that on average regional trade agreements increase the intra-regional exports between member states. Furthermore, the impact is the most meaningful for agreements with a smaller number of countries and in trade blocs with deeper policy integration. The results found in this study are more conservative than what previous literature has found, as an updated methodology is used. This thesis offers a starting point for further research as well as some tentative policy direction regarding regional integration.