
This paper discusses the essence of regional integration. The central question is to interrogate why countries join or form regional economic blocs. The key objective is to examine the imperatives that compel countries to regionalism. Functionalism and federalism theory offer insights as to what process and path countries need to take in order to integrate. Baregu equally notes that regionalism is driven by imperatives which include; affection, gain, threats and forces of globalization. The paper concludes that despite challenges to integration, it remains a valuable avenue through which countries could collectively achieve sustainable development.