Law applicable to substantive issues in international commercial arbitration : an African Perspective

Abstract

This thesis examines the law applicable to substantive issues in international commercial arbitration from an African perspective. More specifically, the thesis examines the methods used by arbitrators to assign the applicable substantive law in the absence of the parties’ choice in Egypt, Ghana, South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire. Considering the vital role of the law applicable in determining the rights and obligations of the parties to international commercial arbitration, the thesis seeks to identify the most efficient method for assigning the applicable law in the absence of the parties’ choice. To this end, the thesis explores existing literature including scholarly works on the topic, the national and selected institutional arbitration laws in Egypt, Ghana, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire and elsewhere, to identify the common methods and strategies used by arbitrators in the selection of the law applicable to the merits of the dispute. The thesis scrutinises these methods to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the efficiency, predictability and legitimacy of each identified method from an African perspective. Ultimately, the thesis proposes a method that can enhance predictability and legal certainty for when arbitrators must assign the applicable substantive law in African international commercial arbitration, thereby promoting the development of a conducive business environment in the region. Moreover, by establishing a consistent regulatory framework for determining the substantive law in the absence of the parties’ choice, Africa may reinforce its position in the global legal landscape by developing its own distinctive jurisprudence in international commercial arbitration.