Economic Integration and Regional Value Chains in Atlantic Africa: Determinants and Challenges

Abstract

This article examines the role of regional value chains (RVCs) as a strategic driver of economic integration in Atlantic Africa. Drawing on an in-depth review of the literature and recent regional initiatives—particularly the Atlantic African States Process and the Atlantic Africa Initiative—the study highlights the region’s potential to develop regional production networks capable of strengthening local value creation, economic resilience, and productive diversification. The article shows that RVCs foster deeper cross-border specialization, reduce trade costs, and enhance intraregional manufacturing linkages, especially in key sectors such as agribusiness, light manufacturing, and minerals. It also emphasizes the critical role of coordinated industrial and trade policies, trade facilitation measures, SME financing, and improvements in logistics and maritime infrastructure. However, the analysis cautions against risks related to power asymmetries, the concentration of regional hubs, and infrastructure gaps, which may undermine the inclusive benefits of RVC development. The article concludes that strengthening regional value chains represents a credible pathway to deepening economic integration in Atlantic Africa, provided it is accompanied by reinforced regional governance, institutional harmonization, and a shared industrial strategy oriented toward inclusive and sustainable development.