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East meets West: international arbitration conference takes ‘bold step’ towards continental integration
The 12th East Africa International Arbitration Conference will convene in Abuja on September 25–26, to explore “Arbitrating in Times of Global Uncertainty and Race for Natural Resources”.
The countdown is underway with less than two months to go until the 12th edition of the East Africa International Arbitration Conference (EAIAC), which in a “significant milestone” will be held outside of East Africa, in Abuja on September 25-26.
By convening in Nigeria this year’s conference aims to foster collaboration between African law firms, arbitration practitioners, and users across East and West Africa.
With strategic partners including the Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, Rwanda, and Zambia branches of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators; The International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID); the Nairobi, KIgali, Lusaka and Kampala international arbitration centres; African Women in Arbitration; the East Africa Law Society, and several other organisations, such collaboration will advance the Africa’s arbitration capabilities and encourage the development of sustainable partnerships.
This year’s theme, “Arbitrating in Times of Global Uncertainty and Race for Natural Resources,” addresses the business risks and opportunities faced by multinationals and investors. It underscores the pressing need for robust, cross-border dispute resolution frameworks in volatile times.
This week, the first featured speakers for EAIAC 2025 were unveiled, a distinguished lineup of 17 experts from Africa and around the world, including: Aluko & Oyebode Senior Partner Tunde Fagbohunlu, SAN; White & Case partner Elizabeth Oger-Gross; IARB Africa Managing Director Leyou Tameru; Arthur Ma of Beijing firm DaHui Lawyers; Washington DC-based Oladimeji Ojo of ICSID; Commercial Bar Association Co-Chairs Andrew Onslow KC and Abdul Jinadu; and Babou Diankha of Jus Mundi.
Holding EAIAC 2025 in Abuja is a significant milestone in West Africa, representing a bold step towards true continental integration. Nigeria stands at the nexus of international investment and dispute resolution, with several billions in annual oil and gas exports and an increasing volume of cross-border commercial activity.
Nigeria has emerged as a prominent hub for arbitration-driven legal and commercial engagements. As international investment in Nigeria’s energy and natural resources sector expands, the critical role of arbitration in managing complex, cross-border disputes has become increasingly important.
Further information about the programme and this year’s speakers is available at the EAIAC website, and those wishing to register to attend can click here.