An authoritative introduction to the commercial laws being instituted through the OHADA harmonization process ; Aimed at English speaking, common law trained, professionals and academic lawyers ; Explains the background, describes the current laws and assesses the prospects for the future ; Contributors include leading lawyers with hands on experience in the OHADA territories and two with common law training. The OHADA (Organization for Harmonization in Africa of Business Laws) system has so far been adopted by 16 Central and West African nations in order to increase their attractiveness to foreign investors and business partners. Based on the Francophone legal system it is now essential to make OHADA accessible to the Anglophone legal and business community. This book introduces OHADA laws to common-law trained, English-speaking jurists who have current or prospective clients with business or litigation in West or Central Africa. For legal academics, the book also offers a tantalizing view of the highest technical level of commercial legal practice in the OHADA region. English-speaking, common-law trained legal professionals who have gained practical experience with OHADA will be uniquely placed to act on behalf of clients developing business in Africa and to provide an introduction to other common-law jurists, whether they be practitioners, judges, professors or students.