ABSTRACT Deeper continental integration is considered critical for Africa’s future growth, development and transformation. This paper reports on the results of a comprehensive review of the scholarly literature on Africa’s continental integration dating back to the 1960s. We wanted to focus on publications drawing on the organization and management literature, but found these to be limited in number and scope. The review covered a range of topics relevant for continental integration including peace and security, decolonization, diplomacy and politics, cultural exchanges, social and economic development, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Although about half of the studies reviewed were atheoretical, the rest covered a range of theories from different disciplines. Most of the studies used documentary analysis and literature reviews; few used survey methods or quantitative data collection and analysis. Review results were grouped into five key areas for continental integration: organizational, economic, political, peace and security, and human rights. The paper concludes by identifying gaps and opportunities for research. Theory development in particular would help to improve understanding of the complexities of continental integration, and guide evidence-based policy and practice for deeper, more effective and sustained continental integration to improve the lives of Africans at home and in the diaspora.

中文翻译：

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非洲大陆一体化学术文献回顾：进步，差距与机遇

摘要深层的大陆一体化被认为对非洲未来的增长，发展和转型至关重要。本文报道了可追溯到1960年代的有关非洲大陆一体化的学术文献的全面审查结果。我们希望专注于利用组织和管理文献的出版物，但发现它们的数量和范围受到限制。审查涵盖了与大陆一体化有关的一系列主题，包括和平与安全，非殖民化，外交和政治，文化交流，社会和经济发展，环境保护和可持续发展。尽管所审查的研究中约有一半是理论研究，但其余研究涵盖了来自不同学科的一系列理论。大多数研究使用文献分析和文献综述。很少使用调查方法或定量数据收集和分析。审查结果分为五个主要领域，以实现大陆一体化：组织，经济，政治，和平与安全以及人权。本文最后指出了研究的差距和机会。特别是理论的发展将有助于增进对大陆一体化复杂性的理解，并指导以证据为基础的政策和实践，以实现更深入，更有效和持续的大陆一体化，从而改善非洲人在国内和侨民的生活。和人权。本文最后指出了研究的差距和机会。特别是理论的发展将有助于增进对大陆一体化复杂性的理解，并指导以证据为基础的政策和实践，以实现更深，更有效和持续的大陆一体化，从而改善非洲人在国内和侨民的生活。和人权。本文最后指出了研究的差距和机会。特别是理论的发展将有助于增进对大陆一体化复杂性的理解，并指导以证据为基础的政策和实践，以实现更深，更有效和持续的大陆一体化，从而改善非洲人在国内和侨民的生活。