The Economic Commission for Africa’s Regional Integration and Trade Division, has undertaken a field study on Investment Policies and Bilateral Investment Treaties Landscape in Africa. Part of the analysis of the study was based on consultations with, and responses to questionnaires administered to, relevant stakeholders in member States including Ministries of Trade, Industry and Finance, as well as Investment Promotion Agencies, Chambers of Commerce, and other departments in charge of investment issues.

Many African governments have rushed into signing bilateral investment treaties to encourage FDI.  Some countries are now calling for a review or even renegotiation of existing BITs in order to replace them with new models. The main objectives of the study were therefore to take stock of these agreements including their prevalence, scope, application and contribution to investment, identify key issues, concerns and challenges arising from them, examine their regional integration dimensions, and come up with appropriate policy recommendations. The study, which is on the agenda of the upcoming AU Conference of Ministers of Trade in December 2014, will help shed light and contribute to the policy dialogue on the experience with BITs in Africa.

In order to enrich the report, RITD is organizing an expert group meeting, which is scheduled to take place at the Balalaika Hotel in Sandton, South Africa from 25 to 26 November 2014. The meeting is expected to be attended by about 20 experts drawn from member States, RECs and academia.