International investment in West Africa and the controversy of arbitral award enforcement: a case study of the Zhongshan Fuecheng case

Foreign investment in West Africa has grown drastically over the last 20 years, but challenges with the enforcement of awards still undermine investor confidence and the regional legal framework. This article explores the conflict between foreign investment protection and state sovereignty in the context of the Zhongshan Fuecheng case, the test case that has come to symbolise the difficulties of enforcing international arbitral awards in the region. Through a doctrinal research method, the research investigates the extent to which national judiciary responses, political considerations, and inherent systemic weaknesses result in ambiguity in the implementation process. The Zhongshan Fuecheng case also exemplifies the general problem West African states are confronted with in balancing the desire to attract and maintain foreign investment, with the constraints of international obligations and domestically-informed policies. The article contends for strengthened harmonization of domestic law with international standards, enhanced judicial capacity, and a more predictable environment for investor dispute resolution to address the challenges in Arbiral award enforcement. the end of the day, the case offers important predictions regarding the future of investment governance in West Africa and the imperative for the reforms necessary to create a stable and reliable investment climate.