The Potential of Africas Global Economic Integration Essay -- Interna

Africa has long been thought of as a place where trade could not happen, especially on an international level. In recent times however, there has been a push to create more integration among African nations. These nations have realized the benefits which occur when firms are freely able to engage in investment from country to country moving away from the old protectionist policies of earlier years. As the textbook Global Business explains, these policies have, on numerous occasions before, triggered â€Å"retaliation that further restricted trade† (Peng, 2009). Governments there have also tried their hardest to change the image in the media of the continent and send signals to the public saying that they are indeed open to trade. To do so, they have used a series of tactics to push towards a more business-friendly continent. Many have shifted to being democratically elected governments focusing on the country and not just the ruling family. In addition, new laws have been impl emented to combat corruption in an attempt to gain more integration. Many of their efforts have been successful and these efforts have made it attractive to do business there. With countries like Ghana experiencing economic expansion of a record 13.6% in 2011 and an overall growth rate of 6% for countries in the continent in 2012 (The Economist, 2011), well above that of any rivaling Asian country, it is paramount that regional and global integration occur and other regions and international nations take advantage of opportunities available. Some companies and countries have recognized the huge potential for trade and investment in Africa and are starting to get involved; for example China, who are choosing to accept the risk in exchange for profits, are becoming ... ...ne, 08 Aug. 2012. Web. 24 Feb. 2014. Peng, Mike W. Global Business. Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning, 2009. 221. Print. Rothmyer, Karen. "They Wanted Journalists to Say ‘Wow’." President and fellows of Harvard College (2011): Discussion Paper Series D-61. Web. 27 Feb. 2014. Shen, Li. "What Makes China's Investment Successful In Africa: The Entrepreneurial Spirit And Behavior Of Chinese Enterprises In Transitional Times." Journal Of Developmental Entrepreneurship 17.4 (2012): -1. Business Source Complete. Web. 24 Feb. 2014. Yeh, Stuart S. "Ending Corruption In Africa Through United Nations Inspections." International Affairs 87.3 (2011): 629-650. Business Source Complete. Web. 24 Feb. 2014. Vogt, Heidi. "Ethiopian Airlines Pilot Acted Strangely Before Hijacking, Family Says." The Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones & Company, 19 Feb. 2014. Web. 24 Feb. 2014.