{"id":102901,"date":"2025-06-05T18:37:03","date_gmt":"2025-06-05T18:37:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/africas-role-as-a-key-player-in-arbitration"},"modified":"2025-06-05T19:00:55","modified_gmt":"2025-06-05T19:00:55","slug":"africas-role-as-a-key-player-in-arbitration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/policy\/africas-role-as-a-key-player-in-arbitration","title":{"rendered":"Africa’s Role as a Key Player in Arbitration"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Though some people still believe arbitration is underdeveloped in Africa, legal experts at a high-level conference in Kigali on June 5 insisted otherwise, declaring that the continent is not aspiring to join the arbitration world as it is already a key player.<\/p>\n

This was during a one-day conference co-organized by the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA) and Kigali International Arbitration Centre (KIAC), under the theme: \u201cAfrica & International Arbitration: Untold Stories.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chief Justice Domitilla Mukantaganzwa emphasized that arbitration is no longer a foreign concept on the continent.<\/p>\n

She said: \u201cAs custodians of justice, we are called not only to uphold the rule of law but also to give voice to the stories too often left untold.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese reforms are not just legislative exercises; they are bold steps toward African ownership of arbitration as a trusted mechanism for commercial justice.\u201d<\/p>\n

She noted that African countries are increasingly revising arbitration laws, modernizing legal frameworks, and strengthening institutions to support effective dispute resolution. Rwanda embedded arbitration as a vital part of its justice system.<\/p>\n

Minister of Justice Emmanuel Ugirashebuja delivers his remarks at the event<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Kigali International Arbitration Centre (KIAC) is a testament to this commitment,\u201d Mukantaganzwa said. \u201cWe have created an environment where arbitration agreements and awards are respected and enforced.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Africa\u2019s economies diversify and cross-border trade increases, such an environment is crucial. However, outdated perceptions persist.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe notion that arbitration in Africa lacks credibility is simply wrong,\u201d she stressed. \u201cIt\u2019s based on misconceptions, not facts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mukantaganzwa called for continued investment in three key areas: developing local talent, strengthening institutions, and building trust.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfrica is not just hoping to become a hub for arbitration, it is already on that path,\u201d she stated.<\/p>\n

KIAC Secretary General Victor Mugabo urged stakeholders to correct misconceptions about arbitration in Africa.<\/p>\n

\u201cKIAC has been operational for 13 years, yet some still believe arbitration doesn\u2019t exist in Africa,\u201d Mugabo said. \u201cThat\u2019s why this platform is important to share our successes, challenges, and experiences to strengthen the method.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mugabo highlighted Rwanda\u2019s progress, which began in 2008 with the adoption of arbitration laws and culminated in the establishment of KIAC in 2012. Today, arbitration decisions are routinely upheld in Rwandan courts, providing security and predictability to investors.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis shows that arbitration is not theoretical, it works, and it works well,\u201d Mugabo said.<\/p>\n

International arbitration expert Meg Kinnear who is the former Secretary-General of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), noted that businesses increasingly prefer arbitration for its speed, confidentiality, and flexibility.<\/p>\n

\u201cCompanies don\u2019t want to air disputes in public,\u201d she said. \u201cThey want a private, efficient process that allows them to resolve issues and move on.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, Kinnear stressed the importance of enforceability.<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cNo one wants to go through arbitration only to have the award ignored,\u201d she cautioned. \u201cThat\u2019s why enforcement frameworks like the New York Convention and ICSID rules are critical.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Minister of Justice, Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, commended Africa\u2019s growing leadership in arbitration.<\/p>\n

He said: \u201cArbitration is key to building trust in trade, resolving disputes fairly, and advancing sustainable development.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith mechanisms like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) taking shape, cross-border transactions will increase and arbitration will be essential.\u201d<\/p>\n

The minister added that arbitration plays a vital role in ensuring contracts are honoured and disputes are resolved efficiently and confidentially, thereby safeguarding national interests and supporting economic growth.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost African countries have made great strides in this area,\u201d Ugirashebuja said. \u201cThis conference is an opportunity to shape the next steps forward.\u201d<\/p>\n

The conference featured panel discussions on topics such as legal reform, dispute resolution in Africa, and the continent\u2019s future as an arbitration destination, among others.<\/p>\n

Delegates at a one-day conference co-organized by the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA) and Kigali International Arbitration Centre in Kigali on June 5. Courtesy<\/p>\n

Chief Justice Domitilla Mukantaganzwa emphasized that arbitration is no longer a foreign concept on the continent<\/p>\n\r\n