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(HERALD) Implement agreed economic policies,govts urged

Implement agreed economic policies,govts urged
New Ziana.

The Institute for African Integration has urged African governments to be committed to the implementation of regional integration programmes to ensure policy consistency and regulatory convergence.

The Zimbabwe-based IAI said yesterday it was disappointing to note that African governments were very good in creating institutions but poor in implementing agreed economic integration policies.

"As an institute we note with concern that African economic integration efforts have the reputation of being very active when it comes to the creation of institutions but lacking when it comes to implementation of programmes that ensure systematic policy and regulatory convergence," said the organisation.

It added that without the necessary policy action, Africa would continue to miss economic opportunities to foreigners, a situation that was not happening in other continents.

IAI noted that Sadc countries, for example, were currently facing challenges related to duplication of regional integration schemes.

This, it noted, impacts on the full use of resources in a way that benefits the general populace.

"Thus, it is imperative that its economic policies and regulations be harmonised and or rationalised."

African governments also have to ensure that their input into regional policies and treaties reflect the wishes of the people. It was necessary for Sadc to reverse current trends of economic decline in member states as this would accelerate the current high levels of unemployment and poverty, IAI said.

It, however, applauded the establishment of the Regional Integration and Economic Cooperation Ministry in Zimbabwe’s inclusive Government.

Priscilla Misihairambwi-Mushonga was appointed Minister to spearhead the country’s integration process and international cooperation.

"We are hopeful that this ministry will usher in a new era and design mechanisms to promote and improve both high level and grassroots regional integration frameworks which will catalyse the country’s economic activities and speed up the growth of its national income," said IAI.

The ministry, it added, would assist Sadc to realise full integration leading to the domestication of sub-regional and continental policies.

The ministry is set to host the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa Heads of State and Governments summit in July during which the bloc is expected to launch its Customs Union.

The IAI is a non-profit independent policy think-tank established in October 2008 to provide research, training and policy dialogue around African regional integration initiatives. It focuses on examining the impact of policies and laws that aim to advance the continent’s economic, political and social progress and recommends reform based on sound and robust evidence. — New Ziana.

Labels: INSTITUTE FOR AFRICAN INTEGRATION, PANAFRICANISM

posted by MrK @ 5:49 PM