Regional Integration and Trade in Sub-Saharan Africa, 1993–2010: An Augmented Gravity Model

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is fragmented politically and economically — in 2010 there were at least 15 countries with population less than 6 million. Constraints to intra-African trade (which is only 10–12% of its global exports) include inefficient and costly transport systems — including informal roadblocks and checkpoints along many trade corridors (69 between Lagos and Abidjan alone; UNECA, 2004) — as well as complex customs regulations and procedures, with different standards and required trade documentation including rules of origin. To increase economies of scale, accelerate industrialization and promote global exports and growth, regional integration has long been advocated.