Call for Papers: 10th Annual Conference of the African Society of International Law (AfSIL) themed "Africa and International Trade Law" to be held at the African Union Commission, Addis Ababa

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African Society of International Law

May 21, 2021

10th Annual Conference of the society: Africa and International Trade Law

Call for Papers

The African Society of International Law (AfSIL) is pleased to announce that the tenth annual conference of the Society will take place on 29 and 30 October 2021. The theme of this year's annual conference is "Africa and International Trade Law". Africa's external trade relations with the rest of the world has historically been defined by the export of commodities and natural resources and the import of finished goods. The African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) is a potential game-changer. Launched on the first of January this year, the AfCFTA creates the largest global free trade area since the World Trade Organization (WTO). It connects over 1.4 billion people accross 55 countries with a combined GDP of over $3trillion. It holds the promise of lifting 30 million out of extreme poverty.

Against this backdrop, AfSIL's tenth annual conference will explore the trends, dynamics, opportunites and challenges of international trade law in Africa. The conference aims to bring together prominent academics, policy makers, practitioners, jurists, and experts to address the critical issues of international law and policy pertaining to the AfCFTA and African trade from diverse perspectives. 

Thematic areas for discussion include, but are not limited to:

  • Theme I: New rules and policies for inter-African trade following the AfCFTA
  • Theme II: African trade relations with the rest of the world
  • Theme III: The AfCFTA and regional economic integration
  • Theme IV: International financial markets, e-commerce, and other technological considerations
  • Theme V: African trade, sustainable development, human rights, and the environment
  • Theme VI: African trade, investment, competition law, and intellectual property
  • Theme VII: African trade and dispute resolution (domestic, regional and international options)

Abstracts submitted may also address compelling topics beyond those encompassed in the themes above. 

Venue & Expenses

We currently envisage holding the conference at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa. Participants travelling to Addis Ababa should be prepared to cover their own travel and accommodation expenses. 

Key Dates

  • Abstract due: 30 June 2021
  • Notification of acceptance: 15 July 2021
  • Draft paper due: 15 September 2021
  • Conference: 29-30 October 2021
  • Final papers for publication: 30 November 2021

Please submit abstracts in English or French of between 250 and 500 words to karim.mziani@outlook.com by 30 June 2021. Please include the author's name, biography or CV, and contact details.