Intra-Africa BITs

Abstract

Abstract Intra-Africa BITs are an even more recent phenomenon. They are modeled after the original Afro-European BITs and attempt to cover the same set of substantive norms and set forth similar dispute settlement processes. They do, however, contain their own specific variability in each instance. It is difficult to identify any particular purpose although there is an indication that even within Africa, in many instances, they tend to be concluded between parties with considerable disparity in the stage of development or the scale of the economic power. Some states with frequent BIT activity with other partners such as Egypt emerge as the key players here as well. This chapter traces the historical development of Intra-Africa BITs and evaluates the character of these BITs sporadically concluded in the various eras to the most contemporary.