Regional economic blocs in Africa have emerged as significant structures for fostering regional integration and development. Egypt's experience with regional cooperation offers insights into effective mechanisms and challenges. A survey research approach was employed to gather data from relevant stakeholders, including government officials, private sector representatives, and academic experts. The analysis focused on the role of regional economic blocs in promoting economic growth, trade facilitation, and social cohesion. The study revealed that while Egypt's regional economic bloc has facilitated increased intra-regional trade by 25% over five years, it also encountered challenges such as varying levels of compliance with agreed-upon regulations among member states. Despite the progress made, there is a need for enhanced cooperation and harmonization to address existing disparities and ensure sustainable development within the bloc. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing communication channels between member states, and promoting equitable resource distribution are recommended strategies for future regional economic blocs in Africa.
Hamed et al. (Wed,) studied this question.