1. Introregionalism has become one of the most prominent aspects of African politics (). To a certain extent, African countries have integrated the realization of multilaterally profitable regionalism and with this aim; they have oriented their policies and laws so that they correspond to the objectives and policies of the different organizations, coalitions and regional alliances to which they have joined, signed or subscribed (). It has been argued that regional integration is the most appropriate means to achieve this goal and improve Africa's capacity to address the various challenges it faces, including underdevelopment, extreme poverty and marginalization. in a world where globalization is proof of development (). However, the questions that will emerge from this essay will be to critically determine what regionalism represents, what determines the weakness of African states. This analysis will further question whether regionalism and regional integration in the form of SADC provide an adequate and effective solution to the challenges arising within African politics, provided they emerge from ideologies such as continental solidarity which embody the spirit of Pan-Africanism, simultaneously taking into account that a strong divergence persists among SADC States.2. Definition of regionalism and difference with regionalization We can speak of regionalism when several countries come together with a sense of identity, common and shared objectives and goals (Hurell, 1996: 37-38). To emphasize the importance of these elements, they create institutions and organizations that demonstrate this particular identity and collective interest within a geographical and regional pattern or framework (Hurell, 1996: 40). For the middle of paper, the day before the economic effort. They mainly focus on areas such as water and hydropower (). These initiatives led to the belief that a Free Trade Protocol (FTP) removing trade barriers would facilitate other states' access to individual markets (). The said protocol was signed in Maseru (Lesotho) in August 1996 and provided for the creation of a free trade zone by 2004, thus removing tariff barriers and facilitating the emergence of a multilateral trade partnership, with the aim to create a fully integrated regional free trade area (SADC). walk (). However, due to its lack of clarity on regulations, the protocol proved ineffective and a problem became evident for all to see: countries like South Africa preferred to both establish regional multilateral agreements and renegotiate and conclude bilateral agreements that suit their policies. with individual states ().