Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Regional Economic Integration

• Types of integration: free trade areas, customs unions, common markets

• Political and economic objectives of RECs

• Case Study: Lessons from the EU integration model

Module 2: Policy Harmonization and Legal Frameworks

• Aligning national trade policies with regional agreements

• Tariff schedules and rules of origin

• Workshop: Draft a harmonization action plan

Module 3: Institutional and Governance Structures

• Regional secretariats and their roles

• Decision-making processes within RECs

• Exercise: Map the governance framework of a regional bloc

Module 4: Trade Facilitation in Regional Integration

• Simplifying customs procedures

• Infrastructure and transport corridors

• Case Study: East African Community single customs territory

Module 5: Addressing Non-Tariff Barriers and Conflicts

• Identifying and resolving NTBs

• Mechanisms for dispute settlement

• Workshop: Develop a regional NTB monitoring tool

Module 6: Economic Modelling for Regional Trade

• Measuring trade creation and diversion effects

• Using trade data to project integration impacts

• Exercise: Analyze intra-regional trade flows

Module 7: Private Sector and Regional Integration

• Role of SMEs in regional markets

• Public-private partnerships for regional growth

• Case Study: Cross-border business success stories

Module 8: Social and Developmental Aspects of Integration

• Impact on employment and income distribution

• Gender and inclusion considerations

• Workshop: Design a social impact matrix for integration policies

Module 9: Financing Regional Integration Initiatives

• Funding mechanisms for infrastructure and trade projects

• Development partners and regional financing institutions

• Exercise: Build a financing plan for a regional transport corridor

Module 10: Future Trends in Regional Integration

• Digital trade integration

• AfCFTA and continental trade prospects

• Simulation: Draft a roadmap for deeper regional trade cooperation