Unveiling the contemporary arbitration regime in Tanzania: Anecdotes worth sharing, prospects and challenges

Unveiling the contemporary arbitration regime in Tanzania: Anecdotes worth sharing, prospects and challenges

Authors: Hassan Kimela & Julius Cosmas

ISSN: 2521-2575
Affiliations: Tutorial Assistant, LLM Candidate, Faculty of Law, Mzumbe University; Senior Lecturer in Law, Mzumbe University
Source: Journal of Corporate and Commercial Law & Practice, Volume 7 Issue 2, 2021, p. 101 – 121
https://doi.org/10.47348/JCCL/V7/i2a5

Abstract

This article critically discusses the new changes brought about by Tanzanias new Arbitration Act of 2020 of Tanzania and its regulations and their implications for domestic and international arbitration and other related laws. The article finds that the establishment of the Tanzania Arbitration Centre; the requirement for accreditation of arbitrators; the introduction of a code of conduct for arbitrators; the ability of international arbitral tribunals to arbitrate investorstate disputes; the introduction of qualified immunity; and clarification of other grey areas are a long-awaiting milestone. The article also argues that the changes will have enormous and far-reaching implications on the arbitration framework in Tanzania, including propelling crossborder commerce and investments. It is further argued that despite its prospect, some areas in the novel arbitration regime need to be revisited to create a more credible framework for both international and domestic arbitration.

A critical review of the powers and duties of the Namibian Law Society in respect of legal practitioners’ conduct

A critical review of the powers and duties of the Namibian Law Society in respect of legal practitioners’ conduct

Author: Marvin R. Awarab

ISSN: 2521-2575
Affiliations: Lecturer, School of Law, University of Namibia
Source: Journal of Corporate and Commercial Law & Practice, Volume 7 Issue 2, 2021, p. 122 – 133
https://doi.org/10.47348/JCCL/V7/i2a6

Abstract

Legal practitioners practising in any jurisdiction, including Namibia, are bound by the provisions of the enabling legislation. In the Namibian context, legal practitioners operate under the Legal Practitioners Act 15 of 1995 read together with the Rules of the Law Society of Namibia. The Law Society of Namibia has the mandate to ensure that the legal practitioners conduct is in line with the law and to investigate allegations of any legal practitioners breach of duty. All legal practitioners operating in private practice have a legal obligation to open and operate two bank accounts, namely a business bank account and a trust bank account. Any violation of the law in respect of the keeping of business and trust bank accounts may invite s 31 consequences. This article therefore provides a critical review of the powers and duty of the Law Society in intercepting legal practitioners trust accounts. Furthermore, the article provides an overview of the statutory-based conduct of legal practitioners in managing trust accounts and the functionality of the Namibian Law Society Fidelity Fund.

Evaluation of the cause-and-effect relationship of internal controls on financial reporting in the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Namibia

Evaluation of the cause-and-effect relationship of internal controls on financial reporting in the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Namibia

Authors: Tariro Chata & Lillian Pazvakawambwa

ISSN: 2521-2575
Affiliations: Faculty of Commerce, Management & Law, School of Accounting, University of Namibia; Faculty of Agriculture, Engineering & Natural Science, Department of Computing, Mathematical & Statistical Sciences, University of Namibia
Source: Journal of Corporate and Commercial Law & Practice, Volume 7 Issue 2, 2021, p. 134 – 151
https://doi.org/10.47348/JCCL/V7/i2a7

Abstract

This article evaluates the effect of the internal control environment on the quality of financial reporting in the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) in Namibia. The Internal Control- Integrated Conceptual Framework of the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission was applied as the standard of measurement against the variable internal control, and the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) was used to measure the qualitative characteristics of the financial reporting process. A mixed research method was used to evaluate the cause and effect relationship between the key variables and to measure the perceptions of the respondents on the quality of the financial report. Probability sampling techniques were used on the 269 staff members of the MOHSS, and data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, using the SPSS software programme. The validity and reliability of data were computed using Cronbachs Alpha. The results of the study indicated that there is a positive relationship between the key variables although it is weak. Therefore, the study recommends the strengthening of governance systems to improve the safeguarding of financial resources.

The challenges of anti-competitive practices and consumer protection in Nigeria

The challenges of anti-competitive practices and consumer protection in Nigeria

Authors: Eric Omo Enakireru & Ogaga Wilson Ekakitie

ISSN: 2521-2575
Affiliations: Senior Lecturer, Department of Jurisprudence and International Law, College of Law, Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria; Senior Lecturer, Department of Jurisprudence and International Law, College of Law, Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria
Source: Journal of Corporate and Commercial Law & Practice, Volume 7 Issue 2, 2021, p. 152 – 167
https://doi.org/10.47348/JCCL/V7/i2a8

Abstract

This article critically examines the concepts and the challenges of price mechanisms, anti-competitive practices and consumer protection in Nigeria, and considers ways of promoting and protecting the interests of consumers in respect of products and services. The article evaluates and defines the concept of price mechanisms, and the concept of the consumer who needs to be protected. It discusses anticompetitive practices, such as monopolies, mergers and acquisitions, and restrictive trade practices, resale price maintenance agreements, misleading advertising, false sales and market values. It considers the protection of consumers and the legal frameworks applicable to the subject. In conclusion, the article recommends appropriate measures and a proactive, pragmatic approach to tackling the menace of false market sales and restrictive trade practices by calling on stakeholders and the government to regulate monopolies, mergers and uncompetitive business practices which are detrimental to the interests of the consumer. It calls for controls and restrictions on unfair trade practices and appropriate sanctions so that those who persistently prejudice consumers in this way are brought to book.

An assessment of the success of the Convention on Choice of Court Agreements 2005 as an instrument of transnational commercial dispute resolution

An assessment of the success of the Convention on Choice of Court Agreements 2005 as an instrument of transnational commercial dispute resolution

Author: Samuel Maireg Biresaw

ISSN: 2521-2575
Affiliations: Lecturer, School of Law, Debre Tabor University
Source: Journal of Corporate and Commercial Law & Practice, Volume 7 Issue 2, 2021, p. 168 – 198
https://doi.org/10.47348/JCCL/V7/i2a9

Abstract

The Convention on Choice of Court Agreements (Convention), which was developed by the Hague Convention on Private International Law (HCCH) is a transnational litigation instrument adopted in 2005 and brought into force in 2015. By providing the required methods and tools to disputants in a commercial relationship, the objective of the Convention is to create an internationally uniform legal framework of dispute resolution that promotes cross-border trade and encourages judicial cooperation by recognising and enforcing foreign judgments that are given based on a choice of court agreement. This article assesses the existing successes of the Convention in achieving its specific commercial objectives, and considers whether it has been generally successful in transnational commercial dispute resolution. The article argues that the Convention has the tools needed to achieve its specific commercial objectives, and its success in this regard depends on the parties who choose to apply the tools provided in the Convention to resolve their commercial disputes by signing a choice of court agreement to that effect. I argue that although the Convention remained generally unsuccessful until 2015, due to its late enforcement and low rate of ratifications, since 2015 it has gradually become a success story as more states are ratifying the Convention. The future therefore looks bright.