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Abstract

The Horn of Africa is one of the most geopolitically important regions of the world, with great human and natural resource potential. Unfortunately, the region is notorious for its crises and instability. This is due to internal and external destabilising factors related to ethnicity, tribalism, resource sharing, poverty, superpower rivalry, porous borders and hegemonic desires. Although it differs slightly between countries, the average per capita gross domestic product (GDP) of the region is less than $200. Gender disparity in education and economic activity is prevalent in the region at all levels. Over 75% of the labour force is engaged in subsistence agricultural and nomadic activities and the rest are involved in other economic sectors, including informal activities. These statistics are just of the indicators that abject poverty is pervasive in this region. What should be done to improve this situation and promote peace, stability, and sustainable socio-economic development?

One of the most viable strategies is to promote economic integration among the countries in the Horn of Africa. This approach can potentially bring economic prosperity and stability to the region. If the states themselves facilitate and meticulously nurture an interstate and intrastate economic integration process by combining their natural and human resources, they will have a better opportunity to eradicate chronic poverty and promote sustainable socioeconomic development. This undoubtedly will help them to make substantial headway in attaining at least some of the UN's declared Millennium Development Goals by 2015. Towards achieving this goal, it would be essential for both local and international initiatives to complement each other.

This paper seeks to briefly highlight the background and genesis of the precarious situation in the region, identify and assess the push and pull factors for establishing the foundations of economic integration, and recommend feasible strategic alternatives intended to promote regional economic integration as a cornerstone for peace, stability and sustainable development. The paper also deals with theoretical foundations and indicative diagnostic studies. In addition, assessing the possibilities and problems of promoting regional economic integration in the Horn of Africa is a precondition for the long-lasting resolution of conflicts and the promotion of good governance and accelerated economic growth. Thus, this paper will serve as a trigger for other researchers to dedicate themselves to empirical and theoretical research focused on more articulated issues pertaining to the region.

Erratum

Note: The first author's name was misspelled in the print issue; the correct spelling is Mengsteab Tesfayohannes.

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