Tailored sessions, a transformative forum: ADR to take centre stage at Johannesburg Arbitration Week 2026

Johannesburg Arbitration Week (JAW) is a transformative forum where lawyers, mining and energy experts, infrastructure developers, financial service leaders, policymakers, and investors converge to shape the future of dispute resolution in Africa, says Andile Nikani, CEO of Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA).

The 2026 edition, hosted by AFSA and co-hosts over 5-7 May next year, will create a forum for high-level dialogue, fostering confidence in efficient dispute-resolution.

With traditional litigation often costly and relationship-straining, on a global scale alternative dispute resolution (ADR) has increasingly become the go-to solution for resolving commercial disputes speedily, confidentially, and more effectively across various industries, including mining, infrastructure, energy, and financial services.

Forward-thinking organisations are turning to arbitration and mediation, proven ADR tools that safeguard both business interests and professional relationships. 

With more African states adopting pro-arbitration legislative measures, highlights Nikani, the shared objective is to build confidence through efficient processes that support Africa’s critical sectors and sustainable development ambitions.

JAW 2026 will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre across 5-7 May 2026, with the support of leading law firms, bars, and other stakeholders. 

The 2026 forum, which is now open for registration, will pay particular attention to key initiatives that are shaping and transforming dispute resolution within the African region, with thought-provoking keynote addresses, interactive panels, and sector-specific discussions where attendees will:

• Gain practical insights into effective arbitration and mediation strategies

• Learn from real-world case studies of successful conflict resolution

• Contribute to shaping industry-specific dispute resolution frameworks and best practices

• Network with leaders and experts who are redefining the standards of business cooperation

• Discover the value of having a professional dispute resolution clause in all commercial contracts.

"Our goal with JAW 2026 is to bring together all these diverse stakeholders from the continent’s most critical economic sectors to engage with dispute resolution practices that speak directly to their unique challenges and opportunities,” says Nikani. “By tailoring sessions to key industries, we ensure that dialogue is relevant, practical and that it will, after the conclusion of JAW 2026, drive sectoral progress.”

First held in 2024, the inaugural Johannesburg Arbitration Week has already brought significant changes to how arbitration is viewed and used on the continent.

In 2026, JAW will also embrace discussions on trends across sectors to craft a robust dispute resolution framework that underpins sustainable development and regional integration. Attendees can look forward to engaging with leading international and regional arbitrators, industry experts, government officials, investors, developers and corporate leaders, forging partnerships that transcend traditional boundaries.

For more information on JAW 2026, and to register, visit here.