Abstract:
The transformation of the Organization of African Unity
(OAU) to African Union (AU) was a historical landmark of
African Leaders’ intention towards integration, projecting
Africa’s continental interest in the international state system
and seeks for African initiative in solving African problems.
This paper seeks to outline the history of Africa’s regional
integration and suggest what would strengthen the
operations of the African Union. The paper proceeds by
examining the efforts of African Leaders towards African
integration, obstacles confronting or militating against the
integration, and seeking ways to strengthen the integration
of the Union. This presentation is aimed at sharing ideas on
protecting the continental interest of Africa in the
International State System as well as seeking for ways on how to achieve African integration. Creating a philosophy
that will drive the African integration concept, involve the
private sectors and non-governmental organizations in the
integration process, and create peace within the continent
institute dispute settlement mechanisms. Internal
insurgencies group need to be settled/arrested, and
transparent democratic, electoral and leadership need to be
strengthened. There should be a collective effort to combat
terrorism, ensure stability in the political system; and use a
collective effort to combat pervasive corruption among
African Countries. Corruption kills economic growth and
demeans political legitimacy. These factors inhibit
investment process hence, trading among African countries
is very low
