Similarity, Trade, and Subregional Integration in Central Africa

This study examines the key issues of economic integration within CEMAC in the context of the new economic geography. It highlights the constraints and challenges associated with the similarity of export structures among member states of this subregion, using spatial modeling based on panel data. The study reaches several key conclusions. First, the goods traded within the subregion are not very diversified and are minimally processed, in addition to the fact that export structures among partner countries are moderately similar. Second, Cameroon-and to a lesser extent Gabon, followed by the Congo-participates more actively in trade than the other countries. Finally, the degree of similarity in export structures has a negative impact on bilateral trade among countries in the subregion.