ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on Southern African Development Community (SADC) as an example of regionalism in Africa with the potential to create a sustainable framework for economic growth and development. It reviews the Community's history, current structure, membership and key economic indicators. The chapter discusses the impact on the region of the trend towards globalization. It examines the importance of regional trade integration in southern Africa together with SADC's possible role in broader trade initiatives. The chapter highlights some of the potential barriers to continued economic cooperation in southern Africa. The existence of one convergence club in southern Africa provides some grounds for optimism that 'catch-up' convergence could also occur in a more closely integrated SADC. The potential role of supporting regional initiatives suggests that it will be vital for the various sectors of SADC to coordinate their activities. The chapter concludes that the achievement of policy coordination is key challenges facing SADC in promoting growth in the region.
