Systemic problems including ineffective governance, infrastructure deficits, socio-economic inequality, environmental degradation and poorly developed legal systems restrain Africa's sustainable development. Despite the vast human and natural resource potential of the continent, obstacles retarding long-term developmental targets remain. The article engages trade and investment measures as promoters for a coherent legal framework. The article considers the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a trade and investment measure to Africa's sustainable development. The article analyses case law to show how legal systems underpin economic transformation, environmental protection and rights-based governance. The article also emphasises Africapitalism as a calculated means of inspiring continental-based industries for inclusive development. The article recommends an increase in institutional and legal capacity to correspond with trade and investment policies with priorities of sustainable development. It advocates the harmonisation of regional trade rules, increase of legal protections for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and inclusion of social and environmental safeguards into investment agreements. Trade ameliorations that release diaspora wealth, support local businesses and enhance court application to sustainable developmental rights in Africa is laudable. A focus on tailored legal frameworks empowering institutions, safeguarding communities and propelling long-term inclusive transformative trade and investment opportunities for Africa is further considered.
Fiattor et al. (Fri,) studied this question.