The Protection of Foreign Investment in Africa – a first-of-its-kind short course in foreign investment law on the continent – could help investors make the most of increasingly attractive opportunities in Africa.

Developed by Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Inc (CDH) and the University of Pretoria (UP) in collaboration with Enterprises University of Pretoria (Enterprises UP), the Protection of Foreign Investment in Africa short course will run from 13–17 May 2019.

The course is structured to provide academic and practical insight to executives, business leaders and professionals who are considering investments in particular African jurisdictions or are currently involved in projects, operations or business ventures on the African continent to the various elements of investment protection in Africa or how to enhance investment protection.

Business opportunities in Africa are becoming increasingly attractive, especially for Africa-to-Africa investment, and the continent’s potential is strongly being punted by various international financial institutions and market commentators.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is advocating investment across the continent as part of unlocking Africa’s potential in five priority areas – what it calls the “High 5s”. The AfDB holds that these investment areas – which include energy, agriculture and industry, markets, jobs, skills and quality of life – have the potential to transform Africa’s prosperity and boost development in the long run.

AfDB’s research also finds that more African companies are investing on the continent and have confidence in its long-term growth potential. They are capitalising on their knowledge of local markets to generate higher returns and impact.

To assist potential investors, or those who already have interests in Africa,  the Protection of Foreign Investment in Africa short course intends to provide participants with insight and understanding of the investment protection regimes available under domestic law and international investment law for investments made in host governments.

There will be particular focus on protection of foreign qualifying investments by qualifying investors intra-Africa (but also extra-Africa) discussing, among others:

•             Bilateral and multilateral treaty protection in Africa.

•             Investment agreements with host governments in Africa and their pitfalls.

•             Domestic investment legislation and codes.

•             Case studies with reference to jurisdictions such as Zimbabwe, Tanzania, South Africa and Nigeria.

The course brings local, regional and international experience and expertise, with guest lecturers from several leading institutions, law firms, government agencies and consultancy agencies.