The establishment of this central repository underlines the commitment of Commonwealth member countries to fostering a conducive environment for sustainable investments. The model contracts were developed by leveraging the expertise of a working group of experts, nominated by 19 member countries, who have shared best practices from across the Commonwealth.
More contracts will be added over the coming months.
Model contracts
1A. Design and Construct Medium Works Contract (Short Form)
This agreement sets out contractual terms on which a principal engages a contractor to perform medium-scale construction works (valued between US$200,000 and $5 million), which may include both design and construction elements. The contract defines the parties’ primary obligations, with the contractor responsible for performing activities and constructing works in accordance with contract documents, obtaining necessary approvals and ensuring quality workmanship and materials.
7. Energy Concession Agreement: Energy - Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of a Mini-Grid Facility
This agreement sets out contractual terms on which a private sector entity (the concession holder) will construct, operate and maintain a mini-grid facility to provide electricity services within a defined concession area, under the authorisation of a conceding authority representing the government.
11A. Exploration and Production Public Petroleum Rights Licence – Offshore
This agreement sets out contractual terms on which a government grants exclusive exploration and production rights for petroleum resources in an offshore area to a licensee. It establishes the legal framework under which the licensee can search for, bore for and extract petroleum within the licensed area, and is applicable to both oil and gas exploration contexts.
11B. Exploration and Production Public Petroleum Rights Licence – Offshore
This agreement sets out contractual terms on which a government grants exclusive exploration and production rights for petroleum resources in an onshore area to a licensee. The agreement defines the legal framework for the licensee to search, bore for and extract petroleum within the licensed area for an initial six-year term, with provisions for extensions up to 25 years upon commercial discovery and further five-year renewals. It is applicable to both oil and gas exploration contexts.
14. Energy Concession Agreement
This agreement sets out contractual terms on which a private sector entity (the concession holder) will construct, operate and maintain a mini-grid facility to provide electricity services within a defined concession area, under the authorisation of a conceding authority representing the government.
