The last Insight focused on regionalism in Africa and more specifically on lowering barriers and easing restrictions on trade and investment between countries and across Africa. The newsletter also announced that Omega, in association with Ernst and Young, is organizing a conference – The Vital Business Case for Regional Integration in Africa. And we did something we have not done before: we invited individuals and companies doing business in Africa to give us the benefit of their particular experience. Both in terms of factors which have impeded the growth of their businesses or steps which have promoted their businesses. In exchange for ideas which would contribute to the interest and richness of the event – which, incidentally, will be an all-African initiative – we offered companies a complimentary one-delegate registration. Well, we have been amazed at the response! Clearly the timing of this event and its relevance are not in doubt.

Omega staff will be dealing with the responses but here are a few of interest which we believe justify a wider pre-conference airing.

• The goal is obviously the lowering of trade and tariff barriers and the encouragement of manufacturing in Africa, and the creation of common markets between African countries and across African countries, how is the impact of Chinese imports – especially in factoring – to be managed? Incidentally, this is an issue dealt with in some depth also in an editorial article in The Financial Times on 21 July. (Copies of this article are available from Omega)
• A second issue relates to the East African Community. According to Ernst and Young and others the EAC has succeeded in establishing an impressive common investment, trade and tourist market. This is something which should be developed in the conference and its relevance for the rest of Africa explored.
• A third issue which several companies out on the table is the experience of the South American common market MERCOSUR. This is now with the US, EU, China and Japan a major economic and marketing entity. Could this be a model for Africa?
• Other respondents have identified project fields which could be of interest on a global basis – for example, energy, communications, agribusiness (including water management), skills transfers and training. No doubt there are also others. The point is that, while it may not be attractive in taking on large projects like this in single countries, across regions is another matter. The principle has a wide application, including even the international marketing of the opportunities Africa has to offer.

These are just some of the thoughts which came back to us following the last Insight. Let's have YOUR suggestions. We understand that the issue of regional integration is not of universal interest to our readers. Kindly indicate via email that you do not wish to receive future emails in respect of this topic and we will gladly remove you from this mailing list.