We are pleased to inform you that the Centre for Advanced Corporate Insolvency Law of the University of Pretoria, South Africa and the Centre for Commercial Law of University College London, United Kingdom are organising a one-day colloquium on the development of insolvency law in Africa on the theme “African Insolvency Law: Bridging the Gap to Modern Perspectives”.

The Colloquium will be held at the Centre for Advanced Corporate Insolvency Law of the University of Pretoria, in Pretoria, South Africa, on the 24th September. 2014.

The Colloquium is organised in series of sessions. The session devoted to the OHADA Insolvency Law is titled “OHADA and a Perspective from the EU” and is organized as follows

• Focus on the problems that led to the OHADA reforms (20 minutes), Mr Craig Giesze, Senior Operations Officer, Investment Climate Advisory Services, World Bank.
• Overview of the OHADA law and why the changes were made (20 minutes), Professor Salvatore Mancuso, Faculty of Law, University of Cape Town, RSA.
• Difficulties relating to implementation (20 minutes), Dr Alioune Badara Thiam, Researcher in Law, Senegal.

On the occasion of his presentation, Professor Salvatore MANCUSO, Cheir, Centre for Comparative Law in Africa , UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN will also make a general presentation of the OHADA reform and emphasize the merits of the business law unification process undertaken in Africa through OHADA/

It has never been more important for African economies to institute robust insolvency systems as Africa continues to make remarkable economic strides. Advanced jurisdictions across the globe recognise the importance of strong insolvency laws which are a crucial safety-valve in market-oriented economies. This knowledge triggered the modernisation of insolvency systems that commenced in the 1970s. African countries likewise require robust insolvency systems which, for instance, deal decisively with failed companies while providing their potentially viable counterparts with further opportunities for economic success. Recognising the unique position of academics in midwifing the desired change, this colloquium invites academics and practitioners interested in Africa to provide insights on the current state of national insolvency laws, global developments in insolvency law, as well as guidance on the introduction of targeted reforms in African systems.

The colloquium further aims to initiate discussions on the future establishment of a dedicated academic forum at which ideas on the advancement of insolvency laws in Africa can be discussed, and collaboration engendered amongst members.

The full programme and registration details.

For more information about the conference, contact Professor André BORAINE by Email at Mornay.Hassen@up.ac.za or Andre.Boraine@up.ac.za

Please also note Professor MANCUSO Email: salvatore.mancuso@uct.ac.za