Abstract The current trend of
globalization is capital
motivated and big powers are setting the rules of the game.Developing
countries may have
little choice but to follow this pass,however,regional collective efforts might be a way to
empower themselves and to seek a fair treatment in the world economy.With the
globalization of world markets, there should be a globalized development. SADC's approach of
development led regional integration is gaining momentum.Regional
cooperation in Southern
Africa did not start from building a common market,but from laying the foundation for economic
development upon which regional integration in trade and production could be
promoted.Regional integration is a cooperation among sovereign states.So the principles of
balance,equity and mutual benefit are essential to make the regional organization a success.
The process of SADC's regional integration will be a long and arduous one,considering the
small size of most of its economies and the imbalanced development of the region.Currently
SADC is still in the transition from functional cooperation to development integration,so it would
be wise not to attempt to achieve too much at the present stage.But SADC's experience would
be valuable for Africa and for the developing world at large facing similar challenges in the
trend of globalization.