AmCham Ghana, under the auspices of the AmCham Ghana AfCFTA Resource Center, hosted Patience Okala, Expert Investment Advisor to the AFCFTA Secretariat at the 20th AGM of Member companies to brief Members on the implications of the AfCFTA Investment Protocol. 

The principal objective of this Protocol is to support the objectives of the AfCFTA as set out in Articles 3 and 4 of the Agreement, to promote, facilitate and protect investments that foster sustainable development of State Parties, establish a transparent and sound continental legal framework on investment, taking into account the interests of State Parties, investors and local communities, provide security and predictability in the prevention and management of investment disputes, create a level playing field for African investors, and promote and enhance common positions and cooperation on matters related to investment promotion, facilitation and protection.

According to Patience Okala, the Protocol is the new forward-looking framework for investment regulation on the African continent. It presents itself as the platform for meeting the profit expectations of investors as well as the sustainable development aspirations of African countries.

This Protocol defines the rights and obligations of State Parties and investors and applies to State Parties, as defined in Article 1(v) of the Agreement, and to investors and investments as defined in Article 1 of this Protocol, as well as all investments made before or after the entry into force of the Protocol but shall not apply to any investment dispute that arose or any claim that was settled before the entry into force of the Protocol. Learn more.