The article emphasizes the importance of regional economic integration for the development of the global economy. It reveals that these processes occur under the influence of several factors. The main determinants of regional economic integration are systematized as follows: institutional, spatial, economic, trade-related, infrastructural, and security-related. The authors argue that these determinants cannot exist without a financial component. They suggest financial determinants to be interpreted as a set of conditions and instruments reflecting a country’s capacity for economic (financial) integration, the creation of a common economic space, the overcoming of development asymmetries, the coordination of financial policies, the integration of capital markets, the reduction of financial risks, and the attraction of financial resources. The specific features of regional economic integration in Africa are outlined, and the fact that trade liberalization alone is insufficient for its effectiveness is confirmed. The level of non-tariff barriers within integration groupings in the region is analyzed. The role and mission of the African Continental Free Trade Area in deepening integration processes are substantiated. Asymmetries among African countries in terms of their degree of participation in intra-group and continental trade are revealed. The vulnerability of the financial and banking systems of African countries is confirmed. The role of investment in fostering a favorable environment for regional integration is analyzed. The dynamics of foreign direct investment in African economies countries are assessed. The role of regional integration in the formation of a shared investment space is confirmed. The advantages of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System for the expansion of integration processes are highlighted. Attention is drawn to the asymmetric levels of inflation across African countries. Special attention is paid to the effectiveness of debt management in African countries. An accelerated increase in the total volume of external debt in African countries is identified. The article argues that the landscape of regional economic integration in Africa is undergoing a process of transformation, which can be accelerated by forming a common financial area and developing financial markets and joint payment systems. Promising directions for regional integration in African countries are identified, considering financial determinants. 

regional economic integration, Africa, African countries, financial determinants, financial integration, financial markets, financial convergence, economic development, instability