In Africa, purchasing land can be risky due to frequent land conflicts where multiple parties claim the same plot. According to Pierre Djémis, an international business lawyer, it is crucial to verify that the seller is indeed authorized to transfer the land.
The African land system, notably in Côte d’Ivoire, has significant weaknesses. There is a fundamental difference between customary rights, certificates, and land titles, with the latter being the only documents guaranteeing indisputable ownership.
The risks of double sales and real estate fraud are real and can jeopardize investments, often representing a lifetime’s savings. African diasporas are particularly vulnerable to these issues.
Given these challenges, it is recommended to take rigorous precautions before any land investment to protect property rights and the interests of families.