The quest for a multilateral agreement on investment (MAI); relevance and effects on developing African countries

Abstract

The aim of this examination was to identify those evolving trends that are common to multilateral agreements some of which have been entered into by African developing countries, bearing in mind the debates and position of African developing countries. The study also aimed at examining the effects of these regulations on African countries especially with key provisions and the kinds of rights and obligations they confer on investors as well as the host country. As there is a need to create a balance between the interest of the host nation and the investor, the study also aimed at identifying if those evolving common trends can be used to establish a guideline for a standard bilateral investment treaty or on the other hand whether they can be used as a template for a multilateral agreement on investment.