It has been recognized that African countries often lack the expertise and capacity in negotiating complex commercial transactions. Their ability to acquire such expertise and capacity is often constrained by financial and institutional limitations.

The ALSF provides technical legal assistance to African countries to strengthen their legal expertise and negotiating capacity. In particular, the ALSF focuses on matters pertaining to: (a) debt management and litigation, (b) natural resources and extractive industries management and contracting, (c) investment agreements and concession agreements, and (d) other related complex commercial transactions. The ALSF grants and advances funds to African countries for legal advice from the top legal counsel in these areas. The ALSF’s goal is to ensure fair and balanced negotiations.