ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the future of continental unity lies in the priority given to the several stages of integration. The “wind of change” that blew across Africa in the 1960s resulted in the emergence of many independent states. The necessity for continental integration as a goal in order to facilitate unity of action among African states has always been accepted by the African states. Africa’s economic dependence on the outside world is seen by many scholars as detrimental to its development and independence. The colonial powers, having arbitrarily created states with irrational boundaries, left a legacy of boundary adjustment problems for the newly independent nations. The arrangements for common customs tariffs and the free passage of nationals between member countries seem to be going in the direction of encouraging supranationalism in Africa. One may be too optimistic about a continental economic union following up Economic Community of West African States, but that remains a possibility.
