On the occasion of its 30th anniversary, the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (Cemac) is celebrating a historic moment and attempting to take stock of its regional integration. Created three decades ago by six Central African countries, Cemac aimed to increase trade and harmonize customs rules within the region.
Over the years, Cemac has faced major challenges and a certain stagnation in its integration process. Despite the implementation of measures such as the community passport in 2017, difficulties persist. The limited powers of regional institutions hamper the implementation of decisions and the lack of essential infrastructure, such as roads and electricity, complicates connectivity between member countries.
This situation has led Cemac to become one of the least integrated economic blocs on the African continent. While trade takes place mainly with external partners such as China, Russia and Europe, intra-regional trade remains very low, representing only 4% of the total. Despite the ambitions displayed in the founding texts of the organization, regional integration remains a distant objective.
Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President of the Central African Republic and President of the Cemac Conference of Heads of State, is expected to address these issues during the commemoration of this symbolic anniversary in Bangui, capital of the CAR. This occasion is an opportunity to reflect on the future of Cemac and the need to strengthen its role in regional integration to promote the economic development of member countries.
In conclusion, Cemac is celebrating 30 years of existence with a mixed record, but with the desire to improve its performance and overcome the obstacles that hinder its regional integration. The challenge is launched for the coming years to make Cemac a more dynamic and influential organization in the economic landscape of Central Africa.