The University of Johannesburg (UJ) played host to a significant milestone in African legal scholarship with the launch of African Principles on the Law Applicable to International Commercial Contracts during a major conference on private international law.
The event, organised by UJ’s Research Centre for Private International Law in Emerging Countries, ran from 30 September to 2 October 2024, focusing on developments in African private international law and the contributions of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) and the Organisation for the Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa (OHADA).
The conference saw participation from academics across the globe, including representatives from Brazil, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, France, Germany, Ghana, Japan, Nigeria, Portugal, South Africa, Tunisia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Dr Ning Zhao, Principal Legal Officer at the HCCH, and Judge Alexis Ndzuenkeu, Director of Legal Affairs, Documentation and Communication at the OHADA Permanent Secretariat, were among the high-profile delegates.
One of the highlights of the conference was the renewal of a long-standing cooperation agreement between UJ and the HCCH, marking continued collaboration in fostering legal developments across Africa.
The most notable moment, however, was the launch of African Principles on the Law Applicable to International Commercial Contracts, authored by UJ’s own Prof Jan L Neels and published by UJ Press. The publication is a pioneering work, envisaged to serve as a model for national and regional legislation across the continent, including instruments of the African Union and OHADA. The book is the first UJ Press publication to be recommended to both the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, as indicated by a Note Verbale from the South African Embassy and Permanent Mission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking at the launch, UJ Vice-Chancellor Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi praised the publication’s impact, stating: “This publication is a testament to the growing importance of Africa’s legal scholarship in shaping global commercial practice. It represents a key moment in the advancement of our continent’s contribution to international law.”
Also in attendance was Mr Wikus van Zyl, Manager of UJ Press, who highlighted the significance of the book as a milestone for the university and the continent’s evolving role in global legal frameworks.
The African Principles publication reaffirms UJ’s commitment to advancing African scholarship and fostering international collaborations, further positioning the university as a leader in shaping the legal discourse in Africa and beyond.
