Sub regional strategies and programmes of eastern and southern Africa

Abstract

The eastern and southern African countries constitute the largest sub regional economic grouping in Africa, covering an area of 21 countries of approximately 11.0 million sq. km, with a total population of 200 million. Sudan and Zaire are expected to join this sub regional economic grouping. Once the two countries join, the sub regional economic groupings will comprise 23 countries with a total population of 245 million thus constituting the largest potential economic entity in Africa. The preferential trade area for eastern and southern African countries (PTA) is the largest organization for economic cooperation in the sub region. The treaty establishing the PTA which 16 countries of the sub region have already signed, entered into force in 1982 with the aim of promoting cooperation and development in all fields of economic activity particularly in the fields of trade, customs, industry, transport, communications, agriculture, natural resources and monetary affairs with the aim of raising the standard of living of its people, of fostering closer relations among its member states, and to contribute to the progress and development of the African continent within the objectives of the Lagos Plan of Action.