Juma V.Mwapachu. Challenging the Frontiers of African Integration: The Dynamics of Policies, Politics and Transformation in the East African Community, (E&D Vision Publishing: Dar es Salaam, 2012)

Abstract

Regional integration has for a long time been part of economic development strategy for the African continent. The period 1960-1980 witnessed the emergence of major regional integration schemes that have pushed forward the continent’s economic integration agenda. Several regional arrangements have emerged and officially been recognized by the African Union (AU). They focus mainly on intra-regional trade, peace and security. One of these regional arrangements is the East African Community (EAC). The EAC is a regional intergovernmental organisation of six member states: the Republics of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Their aspired integration dates back to pre-colonial times.The integration of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, is actually a revival of the old East African Cooperation which collapsed in 1977, after its 10-years existence. “Challenging the Frontiers of African Integration:The Dynamics of Policies, Politics and Transformation in the East African Community” by Juma Mwapachu is among the volumes at the centre of the history and strategic development through regional integration in Africa.

The book under review is a collection of speeches of the author during his five years of leadership as Secretary General of the EAC from 2006 to 2011. It focuses on the dynamics of policies, politics and transformation strategic of the EAC. Juma Mwapachu is a lawyer by training and has had opportunities to serve in various capacities in public and private sectors in Tanzania. Mwachapu’s book has the advantage of having been written by a diplomat and former employee of the EAC who was deeply involved in the web of political machination driven by member states within African regional integration.

Jacob Lisakafu, Lecturer, Open University of Tanzania, E-mail.jaclisakafu@yahoo.com