Africa needs its own version of the European Union to kick-start the continent's economy and lift millions out of poverty, a Birmingham Conservative MP said.
Andrew Mitchell, Shadow Secretary of State for International Development and MP for Sutton Coldfield, called for a new pan-African trading area.
He said an African trade union would give participating countries a bigger boost than the sought-after resolution to stalled world trade talks.
New Tory leader David Cameron has made international development a high-priority policy area for the Conservative Party.
Mr Mitchell urged the Government to assist the plan by hosting a summit for African leaders and provide advice.
