This thesis analyses cross-national convergence of regulatory systems for modern biotechnology in southern Africa as mediated by the African Union (AU), the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Research was guided by a three factor conceptualisation of Busch and Jorgens (2005), which proposes harmonisation, diffusion and coercive imposition as three distinct mechanisms causing policy convergence. Different stakeholder understandings of policy convergence, and fluctuating motivations regarding its emergence were...