The remainder of this document will discuss recommendations for the Organization of African Unity as it continues to pursue the creation of the African Economic Community. One recommendation to promote mutually beneficial trade regions in Africa is that the main objectives of RECs should now shift towards diversifying Africa's export base and moving away from dependence on the export of basic goods. This can be achieved through specialized production through the creation of value chains, the provision of policies, funding and educational resources that will enable the formalization of informal border trade and, thirdly, the removal of all non-tariff barriers to trade. inside the RECs. According to comparative advantage theory, in a global economy greater openness to trade combined with specialization and division of labor can increase the amount of consumption and income within an economy (Regional Integration and Trade in Sub-Saharan Africa , 5). These benefits that apply to the global economy can also be translated into benefits for African economies in a regional context. Openness to trade can increase incomes and economic growth through three key principles; the technological spillover effect, the creation of incentives through greater competition and greater economies of scale due to greater market access. Technology spillovers allow domestic businesses to compete with other economies through exposure to more innovative ideas and methodologies, thereby encouraging the long-term growth of private industries (Regional Integration and Trade in Sub-Saharan Africa, 5). This is particularly relevant for African countries because they have similar resource endowments and capabilities, so it will be easier for competitors… This approach will allow Africa's strongest companies and potential industries to realize economies of scale. Furthermore, the increased competition created by opening national markets to other African competitors and trading partners will create incentives for African companies to reduce costs and increase innovation. “The most important lesson to be learned from the EU's more than 50 years of existence is that regional integration is not an event. Rather, it is a process. The same can, and rightly, be expected from the AEC” (Babarinde, 105). Africa's path to integration has been difficult, not because it is impossible, but because it is a great task that requires great spirits and great political will. Africans have historically proven to be a strong and capable people, consequently the African Economic Community will be another great triumph for Africa and the world at large..