Nkululeko is absolutely right that there are too many overlapping regional memberships and the lack of aligning national development objectives to that of regional and continental ambitions. but, first, dont you think that african cuntries need to do much better in improving their agricultural base so as to be self sufficinet in certain crops through regional contributions. for example, West Africa alone had about 40 million acres of uncultivable swamps that could be developed. additionally, just after reading your article, i went to the websites of the AU and other regional bodies to see how much they owe, and i am shock to find the magnitute of teh amount. before they held meetings, they can do it via video conferencing, email or telephone and use the cost of transport and meetings to fulfill their contributions. Finally, corruption and heads of states overstaying in power will only make things even worst. i personally think the political commitment to integrate lacks.