Abstract More than ever before, trade and regional integration have become two important arguments in the development equation of most modern states and, probably, explains the current rise in regional integration around the world. However, regional integration will not produce optimal benefits in the absence of favourable macroeconomic conditions and substantial internal trade among the integrating members. This paper employs descriptive statistics and econometric techniques to analyze the competitiveness of the continent by studying the impact of relevant intra-African trade indices on the competitiveness of Africa, based on a panel dataset spanning 2000 to 2016. The results show considerable variations in both inter- and intra-regional trade performance and competitiveness among African regional groupings and nations. Intra-African trade, especially in exports, over the study period, was consistently low. While the South Africa region had the highest intra-regional trade in imports, East Africa region had the highest level of inter-regional imports. West Africa, with Nigeria’s dominance, had the highest level of intra-regional exports, while South Africa had the highest inter-regional exports at country level. For the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), SADC reported the highest intra-African import trades, while SACU reported the highest inter-regional imports. SADC has the highest intra-African exports, while COMESA has the highest inter-regional exports. African Competitiveness Index (ACI) ranking puts the East Africa Region on top, and South Africa as the most competitive African economy. Using panel data covering 2012 to 2016 for 20 African economies, ACI was regressed on a 7-variable model, including intra-regional imports and exports, inflation rate, nominal exchange rate, gross capital formation, and the growth rate of GDP. The results were mixed but plausible. All the variables were correctly signed and significant in different regions, reflecting the huge structural and policy disparities among the regions. Continued transformation of African economies with emphasis on both physical and financial infrastructure, and human capital development will enhance intra-African trade and regional competitiveness.

中文翻译：

---

非洲的非洲内部贸易，宏观经济状况和竞争力

摘要贸易和区域一体化比以往任何时候都已成为大多数现代国家发展方程式中的两个重要论点，并且有可能解释了当今世界范围内区域一体化的兴起。但是，如果没有有利的宏观经济条件和一体化成员之间的大量内部贸易，区域一体化将不会产生最佳利益。本文使用描述性统计数据和计量经济学技术，通过研究相关的非洲内部贸易指数对非洲竞争力的影响，分析了非洲大陆的竞争力，该数据基于2000年至2016年的面板数据集。结果显示， -以及非洲区域集团和国家之间的区域内贸易表现和竞争力。非洲内部贸易，在研究期间，尤其是出口方面的收入一直很低。南非地区的区域内进口贸易最高，而东非地区的区域间进口水平最高。在尼日利亚占主导地位的西非区域内出口水平最高，而南非在国家一级的区域间出口水平最高。对于区域经济共同体（REC），南部非洲发展共同体报告的非洲内部进口贸易最高，而SACU报告的区域间进口最高。南部非洲发展共同体的非洲内部出口最高，而东南非共同市场的区域间出口最高。非洲竞争力指数（ACI）排名将东非地区列为首位，而南非则是最具竞争力的非洲经济体。使用涵盖20个非洲经济体的2012年至2016年的面板数据，ACI采用7变量模型进行回归，包括区域内进出口，通货膨胀率，名义汇率，资本形成总额和GDP增长率。结果好坏参半，但似乎合理。所有变量在不同区域均正确签名并具有重要意义，反映了区域之间巨大的结构和政策差异。非洲经济的持续转型，将重点放在有形和金融基础设施以及人力资本发展上，将增强非洲内部贸易和区域竞争力。反映了各地区之间巨大的结构和政策差异。非洲经济的持续转型，将重点放在有形和金融基础设施以及人力资本发展上，将增强非洲内部贸易和区域竞争力。反映了各地区之间巨大的结构和政策差异。非洲经济的持续转型，将重点放在有形和金融基础设施以及人力资本发展上，将增强非洲内部贸易和区域竞争力。