Geography & History Notes | KCSE, NECTA, ZIMSEC & GCSE

  Trading Blocs in Africa.   The common market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) The East African co-operation (EAC). Southern African Development community.  (SADC) Economic Community of West Africa.   (ECOWAS)   The following are Benefits of trading blocks: They create a large market for goods to be bought and sold. They help to create harmony and co-operation among the member states. The reduction of tariffs makes the goods cheaper to the people in the regions. The expanded market for goods has promoted industrial development as the demand for goods increases. Interstate trade has encouraged the development of transport and communications. The trade between the countries has created job opportunities which have led to a high standard of living. Trade in the region has stimulated agricultural development. Has reduced the reliance of countries in Africa on goods and services from other parts of the world. They have made it easier for goods to...

  The Common Markets for Eastern and Southern Africa COMESA was formed to assist manufacturers and producers from the countries of eastern, central and southern Africa to expand their markets The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa is a free trade area with nineteen member states stretching from Libya to Swaziland. COMESA was formed in December 1994, replacing a Preferential Trade Area which had existed since 1981. Nine of the member states formed a free trade area in 2000 (Djibouti, Egypt, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Sudan, Zambia and Zimbabwe), with Rwanda and Burundi joining the FTA in 2004, the Comoros and Libya in 2006, and Seychelles in 2009. The following are the aims and objectives of COMESA. To attain sustainable growth and development of the member states by promoting a more balanced and harmonious development of its production and marketing. To promote cooperation in all fields of economic activity and joint adoption of macro-economic policies and pro...