International Law

African nations are accelerating digital trade infrastructure through the AfCFTA framework, with Kenya, Morocco and Nigeria piloting cross-border systems while governments strengthen data protection and tax frameworks. Hardware innovation, 5G deployment and fintech convergence are creating new commercial pathways, but market access now depends as much on regulatory alignment as commercial capability. The question facing businesses is whether they can build governance readiness fast enough to compete in Afri

The European Court recently dismissed a challenge to an EU sanctions designation, providing crucial clarification on how far the Council's power extends when targeting individuals who facilitate sanctions circumvention. The case centered on a fraudulent scheme to sell frozen shares through a subsidiary structure, raising fundamental questions about jurisdiction and the definition of circumvention. This judgment establishes important precedent for understanding what activities fall within the EU's sanctions

The European Union has adopted its 21st package of sanctions against Russia and Belarus, significantly expanding restrictions across finance, energy, crypto, and military-industrial sectors. This comprehensive package introduces 218 new designations, freezes the oil price cap, imposes stricter LNG controls, and closes loopholes while reinforcing measures to discourage third-party sanctions evasion. The sanctions also strengthen protections for EU operators and facilitate business exits from Russia.