Deconstructing the Linearity Assumption: Towards a Non-linear Theory of African Economic Integration

The conventional economic integration theory posits a gradual deepening of economic ties between sovereign State entities through a sequential progression that commences with the Article Info establishment of loose cooperation ties, subsequently evolving into stronger and more sophisticated forms (Viner, 1950; Meade, 1955; Balassa, 1961). This model of economic Volume 5, Issue 1, June 2025 integration, defined as "linear", is typically driven by the imperative to achieve an ever- Received : 25 February 2025 deepening confluence of economic benefits related to growth, efficiency, and global competitiveness. Its practical implementation is shaped by the unique historical, Accepted : 05 June 2025 geographical, and socio-economic contexts of participating countries. However, recently a Published : 25 June 2025 growing body of literature has challenged the universal applicability of this linear trajectory, doi: 10.51483/IJAFRS.5.1.2025.49-54 particularly within the African context. This new perspective argues that regions where the linear model of economic integration has demonstrated greater efficacy (e.g., the European Union, selected Asian and Latin American blocs) were characterized by relatively complementary economic structures and congruent trade patterns. In contrast, African nations exhibit significant structural economic heterogeneity, characterized by low levels of trade complementarity, reliance on a narrow spectrum of primary commodities and limited engagement in high value-added production. This situation creates asymmetrical benefits and costs, complicating the straightforward application of the linear model. A non-linear approach would emphasize targeted cooperation and policy harmonization in specific sectors where mutual benefits and political will align, potentially bypassing the rigid sequential stages of the traditional linear model.