Regional Economic Blocs in Africa: A Comparative Study with Special Focus on Eritrea's Integration Challenges

Regional economic blocs in Africa have been established to promote intra-regional trade and integration among member states. Eritrea's strategic position and limited resources pose unique challenges for its participation in these blocs. The study employs qualitative research methods to analyse existing literature and official documents related to Eritrea's participation in regional economic blocs. Comparative case studies of other member states are used for contrastive analysis. A notable finding is the significant disparity between Eritrea’s economic contributions and its political influence within the EAC, indicating a potential power imbalance that hinders effective integration. Despite efforts towards regional integration, Eritrea faces substantial barriers due to historical conflicts and resource limitations. Recommendations focus on fostering dialogue and addressing structural imbalances for smoother integration processes. The paper recommends enhanced diplomatic engagement between Eritrea and other bloc members, alongside policy reforms aimed at improving the economic environment conducive to integration.