Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the African Union (AU)
The Regional Economic Communities (RECs) are regional groups of African states. The RECs have developed individually and separated from one another and have different roles and structures. Generally, the purpose of the RECs is to facilitate economic integration between members of the individual regions and through the African Economic Community (AEC), which was established under the Abuja Treaty of 1991. The 1980 Lagos Plan of Action for the Development of Africa and the Abuja Treaty proposed the creation of RECs as the basis for wider African integration, with a view of regional and eventual continental integration. The RECs are increasingly involved in coordinating African Union (AU) Member States’ interests on topics such as peace and security, development and governance.
The RECs are closely integrated with the AU’s work and serve as its building blocks. The relationship between the AU and the RECs is mandated by the Abuja Treaty and the African Union Constitutive Act and guided by the 2008 Protocol on Relations between the Regional Economic Communities and the African Union, as well as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Area of Peace and Security between the AU, RECs and the Coordinating Mechanisms of the Regional Standby Brigades of Eastern and Northern Africa. The AU recognizes eight RECs:
- Arab Maghreb Union (AMU)
- Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
- Community of Sahel–Saharan States (CEN–SAD)
- East African Community (EAC)
- Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)
- Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
- Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
- Southern African Development Community (SADC)
In addition, the Eastern Africa Standby Force Coordination Mechanism (EASFCOM) and North African Regional Capability (NARC) have liaison offices at the AU. [Source: African Union, RECs]
History of the Economic Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD)
The Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) was established in February 1998 by six founding nations: Libya, Mali, Niger, Sudan, Chad, and Burkina Faso. Its creation was spearheaded by Libya's leader Muammar Gaddafi, aiming to foster economic integration, political cooperation, and regional stability across the Sahel-Saharan region. Over the years, its membership expanded to 29 countries, making it one of Africa's largest regional economic communities (RECs) [Source: UNECA, CEN-SAD]. CEN-SAD’s objective is to achieve economic unity among its member states through the establishment of a free trade area and the free movement of people and goods. This vision aligns with the broader goal of creating an African Economic Community, as envisaged by the African Union. To facilitate these aims, CEN-SAD gained observer status at the United Nations General Assembly in 2001 and formed partnerships with various international bodies, including the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and specialized UN agencies such as UNESCO, FAO, WHO, and UNDP. These collaborations aim to address development challenges and promote sustainable growth within member states [Source: UNECA, CEN-SAD]. CEN-SAD has been a platform for addressing issues in the Sahel-Saharan region, including economic development, agriculture, water resource management, security, and cultural cooperation. One notable event in its history was the 2005 summit in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, where member states prioritized agricultural development by agreeing to establish a High Authority for Water, Agriculture, and Seeds. This body was tasked with enhancing agricultural productivity through improved water resource management and seed selection. In addition, the summit proposed constructing a railway line to link Libya, Chad, Niger, and other member states, with the aim of boosting regional trade and connectivity [Source: African Union, CEN-SAD].
Two years later, in June 2007, CEN-SAD leaders convened in Libya to address regional conflicts, particularly between Chad and Sudan over the Darfur crisis. The summit also sought to strengthen Somalia's Transitional Federal Government amid its struggles with political instability and militant threats. The 2008 summit held in Cotonou, Benin, focused on rural development and food security [Source: UNECA, CEN-SAD]. It emphasized agricultural investment and poverty reduction, highlighting the need to address pressing economic challenges in member states. Benin's President, Yayi Boni, was elected chairperson for a one-year term, reflecting the rotational leadership structure within CEN-SAD. To foster cultural and sport ties among member states, CEN-SAD launched its Community Games. The first such event, held in Niamey, Niger, in 2009, featured competitions in sports and arts, including athletics, basketball, judo, football, and traditional wrestling, alongside cultural contests in song, dance, and visual arts. The initiative aimed to promote youth engagement and solidarity across the region. A second edition was planned for 2011 in N’Djamena, Chad, though political and logistical challenges delayed its execution [Source: UNECA, CEN-SAD].
Despite its ambitious agenda, CEN-SAD has faced significant challenges that have hindered its effectiveness. The Sahel-Saharan region is characterized by chronic instability, including political unrest, armed conflicts, and the rise of extremist groups. These issues have severely undermined the implementation of CEN-SAD’s projects and diminished its credibility. For instance, the Darfur conflict between Chad and Sudan, as well as civil wars in the Central African Republic and South Sudan, have strained the region’s political and economic cohesion. Other conflicts, such as post-war tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia and the widespread upheaval following the Arab Spring, have further disrupted CEN-SAD’s activities. Libya, a key member and former leader of the bloc, experienced significant turmoil following the fall of Gaddafi, which weakened CEN-SAD’s institutional framework. In response to these challenges, CEN-SAD adopted the Security Charter and the Niamey Declaration to provide a framework for conflict prevention, management, and resolution. These protocols outline cooperative measures for peacebuilding and security, often in alignment with the African Union’s Peace and Security Council [Source: ECFR, CEN-SAD]. The Security Charter stipulates steps for addressing conflicts and instability, including mechanisms for mediation, negotiation, and post-conflict normalization. Despite these provisions, CEN-SAD has struggled to enforce its protocols effectively, particularly in cases such as the conflicts in South Sudan and the Central African Republic, where external interventions were often necessary. One of the most significant recent developments was the 2016 Defence Ministers Meeting in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, which sought to reinvigorate CEN-SAD’s security apparatus. Delegates at this meeting agreed on the need to establish a regional counter-terrorism center, headquartered in Egypt, to address the growing threat of violent extremism. They also endorsed a revised conflict prevention and management mechanism and laid the groundwork for a Permanent Peace and Security Council. These measures represent a concerted effort to address the persistent insecurity in the Sahel-Saharan region and restore confidence in CEN-SAD’s role as a regional stabilizer [Source: UNECA, CEN-SAD].
The Sahel-Saharan region is also a critical migration corridor, linking sub-Saharan Africa to North Africa and Europe. This dynamic has made it a hotspot for human trafficking, irregular migration, and humanitarian crises. CEN-SAD has engaged in efforts to regulate international migration and foster development to mitigate these challenges. However, the overlapping mandates of other RECs, such as ECOWAS, ECCAS, and COMESA, have complicated its efforts to establish a cohesive economic and migration framework. These overlaps lead to competition rather than collaboration, diluting the effectiveness of regional initiatives [Source: UNECA, CEN-SAD]. Over the years, CEN-SAD’s capacity to drive regional integration and development has been hampered by funding constraints, weak institutional capacity, and political differences among member states. The bloc’s reliance on external partnerships has also exposed it to vulnerabilities, particularly when donor priorities shift or political instability disrupts planned activities [Source: African Union, CEN-SAD]. Despite setbacks, CEN-SAD remains an important platform for dialogue and cooperation in one of Africa’s most challenging regions. The community’s resilience lies in its ability to adapt and respond to emerging challenges, as seen in its renewed focus on security and counterterrorism. However, achieving its broader objectives of economic integration and sustainable development will require greater political will, stronger governance structures, and increased investment in capacity-building initiatives. By fostering collaboration among its diverse member states and leveraging its strategic partnerships, CEN-SAD has the potential to play a transformative role in the Sahel-Saharan region, addressing the issues of security, migration, and economic development. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but the shared aspirations of its member states offer a foundation for progress and renewal [Source: ECFR, CEN-SAD].
Current members of CEN-SAD include:
- Burkina Faso
- Chad
- Mali
- Niger
- Libya
- Sudan
- Central African Republic
- Eritrea
- Nigeria
- Djibouti
- Gambia
- Senegal
- Egypt
- Morocco
- Somalia
- Tunisia
- Benin
- Togo
- Côte D’Ivoire
- Ghana
- Sierra Leone
- Comoros
- Guinea
- Guinea Bissau
- Mauritania
Kenya, Liberia, São Tomé and Principe and Cabo Verde did not sign the revised CEN–SAD Treaty in 2013 and are no longer members [Source: UNECA, CEN-SAD].
Structure and organizations of CEN-SAD
The governance of CEN-SAD is anchored in its Conference of Heads of State and Government, which serves as the highest decision-making body. This Conference is scheduled to meet annually, rotating among the capitals of CEN-SAD member states, with provisions for extraordinary sessions at the request of every member state. At its core, CEN-SAD’s structure is designed to support the implementation of its objectives, from economic integration to security and development. Supporting the Conference is the Executive Council, composed of ministers from member states, which ensures the execution of decisions made by the Heads of State and Government [Source: African Union, CEN-SAD]. This body plays a critical role in translating political agreements into actionable policies. Another key organ is the Permanent Peace and Security Council, tasked with addressing security concerns across the region. Given the challenges of the Sahel-Saharan area, this council is integral to CEN-SAD’s efforts to maintain peace, combat terrorism, and manage cross-border conflicts. In addition, the Permanent Council on Sustainable Development focuses on fostering economic growth and environmental preservation. It aims to address issues such as desertification, drought, and climate change while promoting renewable energy research and the sustainable use of natural resources. This council operates together with other organs to ensure that CEN-SAD’s development agenda is both inclusive and resilient [Source: African Union, CEN-SAD].
The General Secretariat functions as the executive branch of CEN-SAD, coordinating the activities of its various bodies and ensuring the implementation of its programs and initiatives. The Secretariat also supports the work of the Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ESCC), which acts as an advisory body that channels input from civil society and other stakeholders into CEN-SAD’s policy processes. CEN-SAD’s institutional framework also includes the Sahel-Saharan Investment Trade Bank, established to finance and sustain projects that align with the community’s objectives [Source: UNECA, CEN-SAD]. This financial institution is instrumental in mobilizing resources for infrastructure development, trade, and other economic initiatives. By addressing the financial constraints faced by member states, the bank seeks to accelerate the pace of regional integration. In its foundational treaty, CEN-SAD emphasizes the preservation of peace, security, and stability as essential components of its mission. This includes promoting political dialogue and combating cross-border crimes such as drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, and terrorism. CEN-SAD has developed protocols and mechanisms for conflict prevention, management, and resolution to support these efforts. The Protocol on Prevention Mechanism, Management, and Resolution of Conflicts outlines strategies for normalizing foreign relations among conflict-affected countries and provides a framework for cooperative security efforts. Environmental challenges are also a focal point for CEN-SAD. The region’s vulnerability to desertification, drought, and climate change has necessitated collective action to preserve natural resources and promote sustainable practices. The treaty underscores the importance of environmental protection as a means of ensuring long-term economic and social stability. Research in renewable energy and climate resilience forms a key part of CEN-SAD’s sustainable development strategy [Source: UNECA, CEN-SAD].
CEN-SAD’s approach to integration is also reflected in its commitment to fostering socio-cultural cooperation. The AU REC promotes educational coordination, cultural exchange, and scientific collaboration among its member states. These efforts aim to build a shared sense of identity and mutual understanding across the Sahel-Saharan region, reinforcing the bonds between its diverse populations. While its objectives are ambitious, CEN-SAD has faced significant challenges, including political instability, conflicts, and financial constraints, which have occasionally hindered the full implementation of its programs. Nonetheless, the organization's structural framework remains a vital tool for addressing the interconnected issues of security, development, and integration in one of Africa's most complex and dynamic regions. Through its diverse organs and mechanisms, CEN-SAD continues to strive toward a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Sahel-Saharan community [Source: African Union, CEN-SAD].
Most important projects of CEN-SAD
The initial Treaty establishing CEN-SAD outlined broad objectives, including the creation of an economic union, elimination of barriers to integration, and enhanced cooperation in education, culture, science, and technology. These goals were refined by the revised Treaty, emphasizing two critical areas: regional security and sustainable development. CEN-SAD’s overarching vision is to achieve a comprehensive economic union by harmonizing developmental strategies with national policies and fostering investments across agriculture, industry, energy, and social sectors. Trade integration remains a pillar, but progress has been hindered by overlapping REC memberships, political challenges, and insufficient financial contributions from member states [Source: UNECA, CEN-SAD]. The Free Trade Area (FTA) initiative stands at the heart of CEN-SAD's market integration strategy. This program envisions removing non-tariff barriers, facilitating the movement of goods and services, and promoting regional trade. Despite delays, the FTA reflects the broader objective of harmonizing economic policies and integrating member economies. While CEN-SAD faces obstacles in advancing this agenda, external influences such as the West African Economic and Monetary Union and the Central African Economic and Monetary Community have bolstered financial and macroeconomic integration among some members, thanks to shared monetary frameworks within the franc zone [Source: UNECA, CEN-SAD].
Security is another priority for CEN-SAD, reflecting the Sahel-Saharan region's vulnerability to conflicts, terrorism, and migration pressures. The region, a historical crossroads for trans-Saharan trade and migration, has become a hotspot for jihadist movements and intra-African conflicts [Source: African Union, CEN-SAD]. To address these challenges, CEN-SAD has developed comprehensive security mechanisms, including the Protocol on Prevention Mechanism, Management, and Resolution of Conflicts, the Convention on Security Cooperation, and the Security Charter. The organization also coordinates with the African Union's Peace and Security Council and the United Nations to address conflicts and promote stability. Key initiatives in the security domain include the establishment of a regional counter-terrorism center in Egypt, endorsed during the 2016 Defence Ministers meeting in Sharm-el-Sheikh. The revised draft of the conflict prevention and resolution mechanism and the proposed Permanent Peace and Security Council demonstrate CEN-SAD's commitment to creating institutional frameworks for addressing crises. However, implementation remains a challenge, with political instability and weak governance in member states affecting the organization's ability to enforce its protocols effectively [Source: African Union, CEN-SAD].
Sustainable development is equally central to CEN-SAD’s objectives, particularly in combating desertification, mitigating climate change, and improving agricultural productivity. The Sahel-Saharan region faces acute environmental challenges, including recurring droughts and resource degradation. CEN-SAD promotes coordinated efforts to manage natural resources sustainably, invest in renewable energy, and enhance resilience against environmental shocks. The organization also supports infrastructure development, particularly in energy and transportation, to foster economic connectivity and support growth. Agriculture, a cornerstone of regional economies, has seen targeted initiatives on CEN-SAD development agenda [Source: PACCI, CEN-SAD]. Projections for increased crop yields in the agriculture scenario highlight the potential for transformative growth in member states. For instance, countries like Djibouti are expected to achieve significant productivity gains through technology and policy interventions, raising average crop yields from 4 tons per hectare in 2019 to 7 tons per hectare by 2043. CEN-SAD’s demographic profile presents both challenges and opportunities. With its population expected to nearly double from 688 million in 2019 to 1.175 billion by 2043, member states face pressures to improve education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Initiatives like the Health/WaSH scenario aim to reduce infant mortality, while education programs seek to close gender gaps and increase access to quality learning. In the long term, achieving a demographic dividend will require sustained investment in human capital and job creation [Source: PACCI, CEN-SAD].
Infrastructure development is another critical focus area. In infrastructure, there will be a significant increase in electricity access across the region, rising from 61.1% in 2019 to 80.1% by 2043. These improvements will support urban and rural development, enabling broader economic participation and improving living standards. Similarly, enhanced connectivity through transportation networks and digital infrastructure is expected to boost trade and integration. CEN-SAD’s objectives also align with African Union's Agenda 2063, which envisions a prosperous, integrated, and peaceful Africa. The Combined Agenda 2063 scenario projects transformative impacts on GDP per capita and poverty reduction, with CEN-SAD's economy expected to grow significantly, reaching $8.7 trillion by 2043 — 78.3% higher than the base forecast. This growth underscores the potential of coordinated regional strategies to achieve shared prosperity [Source: PACCI, CEN-SAD].
CEN-SAD and Free Movement of People
Article 1 of the Treaty Establishing CEN-SAD identifies the free movement of people as a fundamental objective of the regional economic community. The treaty specifies that nationals of signatory countries should enjoy the same rights, privileges, and obligations as citizens of each member state, in alignment with their respective constitutions. While progress on implementing this objective has been slow at the CEN-SAD level, several member states have made strides in liberalizing cross-border mobility policies. This progress is largely attributed to overlapping memberships with ECOWAS, which has advanced significantly in removing restrictions on the free movement of people within its region [Source: UNECA, CEN-SAD].