A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND AFRICAN UNION REGIONAL INTEGRATION MODELS

ongoing

The European Union (EU)’s integration model has stood the test of time, attaining the critical milestones in economic aspects, including a single market, a common currency, and a method for redistribution of resources. It has also achieved a high level of political integration with institutions and framework facilitating legislative representation. It also has a common university. The African Union (AU) has on its part made reasonable progress with regard to the development of its institutional framework. The Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is cited for promoting intra-African trade with the largest market and positive projections for expansion of state economies. It also prioritizes air transport under the Single African Air Transport. The module presents a unique opportunity for African students to have in-depth knowledge about the EU legal framework, policies and values, without incurring the cost of traveling to Europe to attend such a course in their own setting. They will also have the opportunity to carry out comparative analysis of the EU and AU's regional integration models. Different publics attending the public exhibitions and open days will also have an opportunity to learn about the EU and AU in general. The module facilitates interaction with a complement of highly qualified and seasoned group of facilitators from the EU and AU regions, in virtual and physical presentations. Further, it provides an opportunity for students to enhance their knowledge through research, and to articulate the said knowledge through projects and papers they will write and present in the classes, conferences and other fora of engagement with a view of publication. African technocrats, diplomats, students and ordinary citizens will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and knowledge during the sessions, upgrading knowledge and promoting the course of regional integration and understanding of EU and AU policy, legal framework and values.