The outer limits of the continental shelf: African states and the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention

African coastal states parties to the Law of the Sea Convention 1982 (LOSC) are faced with the challenge of complying with their international obligation therein. This article is an overview of African states' compliance with the LOSC as regards the outer limits of the continental shelf. It also seeks to pinpoint the shortcomings of these states in complying with the LOSC provisions on the outer limits of the continental shelf and the problems faced or likely to be faced by them in this regard.