The case for regional integration and economic cooperation in Africa has been made and backed by significant organizations inside and outside of Africa. He was addressing the Panel of High-Level Personalities on African Development that he had appointed to advise him on the process of implementing the U.N. New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s. Regional markets can provide export alternatives for local producers.
Regional projects can help to rationalize the use of resources and talent.
Regional economic cooperation does not happen without great effort and great planning. Additionally, he had made recommendations to the U. N. General Assembly and to the O.A.U. on the coordination required of all organizations and countries engaged in regional integration. The World Bank also was encouraging an economic development strategy that recognized the advantages associated with regional integration. Edward V. K. Jaycox, the World Bank's Africa Region Vice President at the time, publicized his thoughts in an article on challenges facing Sub-Saharan Africa and more specifically in southern and South Africa. Economic integration would expand markets and employment opportunities, allow more efficient investment, promote the diffusion of technology and attract foreign investment.