The Uncitral and the WTO Frameworks
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) seeks to promote sustainable and equitable economic growth and socio-economic development that ensures poverty alleviation with the ultimate objective of its eradication[1], and enhance the standard and quality of life of the people in the region. Its modus operandum is harmonization of political and socio-economic policies in the region of which law is one. The region has great economic potential, based on both the potential for domestic production and regional and international trade in which resolution of commercial disputes form a significant factor in risk assessment for investors. Article 17 of Annex 1 to the Finance and Investment protocol calls on state parties to develop the region into an investment zone, which among others, includes the harmonization of investment regimes and laws and practices in accordance with the best practices within the overall strategy towards regional integration.