International Regulation and African Multinational Banks: A Paradox for International Business Policy and Sustainable Development

This article examines international business policy (IBP) in Africa, focusing on the paradox of regulatory constraints facing African multinational banks (AMNBs) and their implications for IBP and sustainable development. Although AMNBs contribute to financial inclusion and economic growth, fragmented regulatory frameworks across Africa’s diverse institutional environments hinder their operations. Compliance with global standards such as Basel III/IV and extraterritorial laws like the Dodd-Frank Act increases costs and restricts market access in underdeveloped financial systems. This study explores AMNBs’ strategic adaptations that support cross-border financial flows under initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and underscores the potential of harmonised regulations to promote financial stability, regional integration, and Africa’s sustainable development goals.