Using law to protect foreign investors in southern Africa

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Periodical article

Title:	Using law to protect foreign investors in southern Africa
Author:	Ailola, David A.
Year:	1996
Periodical:	The Comparative and International Law Journal of Southern Africa
Volume:	29
Issue:	3
Pages:	295-316
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Southern Africa
Subjects:	foreign investments legislation
Abstract:	It is generally accepted that direct private foreign investment is crucial to the developmental strategies of all developing countries. Many African countries have gone out of their way not only to adopt investment oriented policies, but also to promulgate laws and incentives in the hope of attracting investors. This article highlights the nature of the laws and incentives adopted by countries of the southern African region (Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe) to attract foreign investors. Next, the article discusses a number of reasons advanced over the years to explain why investors have failed in these countries in spite of the fact that investment laws have been improved. Finally, the article focuses on the human rights implications of investment laws and practices. In conclusion some of the trends towards change that have emerged are identified. Ref.