Abstract:
The liberal intergovernmentalist approach has been applied to numerous studies within
the European Union (EU) context in the past, and lately to studies within the African
regional integration context. Differing experiences with regards to regional integration
have emerged in the EU and African contexts. The purpose of this study was to
investigate the application of the liberal intergovernmentalist approach within the African
context, in particular the African Contintental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The study
followed a single case research design, meaning it was conducted within the setting of
the AfCFTA. The study population comprised 16 participants and documents from the
African Union (AU) regarding the AfCFTA. Various data-collection methods were used,
including focus group interviews, face-to-face semi-structured interviews and qualitative
content analysis – the rationale being that the case study approach required numerous
data-collection methods to be employed. The methods utlised for data analysis were
thematic analysis for focus groups and face-to-face semi-structured interviews, and
qualitative content analysis for data obtained from the AU documents regarding the
AfCFTA. Findings from the study might have a considerable effect regarding the
interaction of African member states when undertaking regional intergration
engagments.
