Democratization of Regional Economic Schemes: The Case of The East African Community (EAC) And Lessons From European Union (EU)

Abstract

The discussions on regional integration have largely focused on the formal structures and institutions making the East African Community. Yet, very little attention has been paid to the democratization of the Community. Integration schemes aim at widening markets for member states, pooling of resources together and enjoying regional economies of scale. There are also a large and growing number of regional organizations that promote free trade and other forms of economic interchange. Some, are little more than shell organizations that barely keep their goals alive. However the
very existence of each regional organization is a manifestation of its membership belief that going it alone would not be as advantageous as working together in the interest of greater economic prosperity.

Key words: Democratization, Regional, Economic Schemes, East African Community, European Union