The African Union as a Model of Continental Integration: Experience, Challenges, and Prospects

Abstract

The article investigates the integration processes within the African Union (AU) and examines the structural imbalances that hinder the formation of a unified economic, social, and political space across the continent. The purpose of the study is to identify the main challenges affecting inter-state integration and to assess the prospects for enhancing cooperation among member states. The subject of research includes economic, social, and institutional indicators of African Union member countries, with a particular focus on trade, logistics, human development, and political integration. The study employs a comparative and analytical methodology, combining quantitative analysis of socio-economic indicators, trade statistics, and governance indices with a dissimilarity index to evaluate disparities between countries. Data from international statistical sources and AU reports were used to construct matrices of intra-union trade, logistics performance, human development, and political and social integration. The methodology allowed for the identification of clusters of countries with similar characteristics and the analysis of structural gaps among economically advanced and fragile states. The results reveal significant heterogeneity among AU member states. Economic disparities are pronounced, with countries such as Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria leading in GDP and intra-regional trade, while smaller or fragile economies such as the Central African Republic, Chad, and Somalia lag behind. Social and political indicators demonstrate that most countries face low levels of human development, high multidimensional poverty, and weak institutionalization of democratic norms. Additionally, logistical inefficiencies and limited transport infrastructure restrict intra-regional trade and hinder investment. The dissimilarity index highlights high divergence across 24 of 45 analyzed country pairs, indicating structural obstacles to deeper integration. The study concludes that the African Union’s integration is constrained by economic, social, and political imbalances, underdeveloped logistics, and limited intra-regional trade. Addressing these challenges through coordinated policies and targeted investment in infrastructure, governance, and human capital is essential for accelerating the AU’s path toward full regional integration.