Integration Trends in the African Continent, in the Light of Trade with the United States

Abstract

Regional integration initiatives have appeared in Africa at the beginning of the 20th century. In the context of cooperation, the promotion of trade has priority, which can contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction, as well. The magnitude of trade can be influenced by several factors such as the size of the market, the inflow of external resources and the development of the institutional system. The empirical analysis of the study revealed that the size of the market, the income situation, the inflow of external resources and the human development strongly coexist with the export of African integrations to the United States. On the other hand, the democratic system, the lack of freedom and the level of corruption do not seem to be significant in trade volatility.