Sustainable development and international economic law in Africa

Abstract

Sustainable development has been advocated by the developed world as a means to ensure that the most widely beneficial type of development occurs. This has resulted in a body of rules, which though well intended, does not adequately address the developmental needs of developing countries. It has become a source of tension between developing and developed countries. Developing countries fear that it can be used to frustrate their prospects of development. Hence the adoption of sustainable development provisions by African countries has largely been controversial. This article explores the concept of sustainable development and its level of acceptance in international economic law instruments involving African countries. This article argues that African countries should adopt a more intentional position with regards to sustainable development to ensure that each agreement creates an opportunity for economic transformation and sustainability.