Force majeure and CoVID-19 in international sales contracts : an African perspective

Abstract

This mini-dissertation analyses whether COVID-19 can be regarded as a force majeure event in international sales contracts in Africa. It begins by looking at the history and development of force majeure (or more generally, the doctrine of excuse for non-performance) in both civil and common law legal systems. It then moves on to look at whether in terms of the provisions of the CISG, the COVID-19 pandemic can serve as an excuse for non-performance in international sales contracts governed by the CISG. Next, the domestic law of South Africa is considered, and it is analysed whether the COVID-19 pandemic can be an excuse for non-performance in international sales contracts that is governed by South African law. The mini-dissertation concludes by discussing how force majeure clauses can and should be used in international sales contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic.