Capacity Building Workshops for Investment to Support East African Community Partner States in Implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Investment and Negotiation of the Annex on Dispute Settlement

This workshop was convened to strengthen the capacity of East African Community (EAC) Partner States in implementing the AfCFTA Protocol on Investment and preparing for the negotiation of the Annex on Dispute Settlement. Organized by the EAC Secretariat with support from GIZ and facilitated by GOPA, the four-day workshop brought together 22 participants from seven EAC Partner States in Nairobi, Kenya.
The workshop aimed to equip participants with the legal, technical, and strategic knowledge necessary to effectively implement the Protocol and engage in informed negotiations on the Annex. Key topics included the landscape of investment treaties in Africa, standards of treatment, investment protection, dispute settlement mechanisms, and modern investment facilitation. Special attention was given to the provisions of the AfCFTA Investment Protocol and the zero draft of the Annex on Dispute Management, supported by case studies and interactive assessments.
Opening remarks from representatives of the host country and the EAC Secretariat emphasized the importance of aligning national legal frameworks with AfCFTA obligations and ensuring that the Annex reflects the development priorities of the region. Participants also reviewed a regional study identifying legal and regulatory gaps in Partner States’ investment regimes.
The workshop was highly rated by participants for its relevance and depth. However, they recommended additional time for deeper engagement and proposed similar training for judges of the East African Court of Justice to support future investment dispute resolution. The workshop concluded with a call for continued collaboration and technical support to ensure effective implementation of the AfCFTA investment framework.