Transnational Law: Unification and Harmonisation of International Commercial Law in Africa

The problem of diversity of laws remains a major, if indirect, obstacle to African economic development which has not been the subject of any concerted consideration or attention by African states. It is now generally recognized that diversity of laws is an impediment to international commercial activity. Diversity of laws also negatively affects commercial transactions between African merchants and foreign (non-African) contractors. Furthermore, diversity of international commercial laws among African countries is likely to impede the achievement of the objectives of the economic integration schemes.