Trust to Transformation: Africa Legal, Lewis Silkin, Law Society, and UK Ministry of Justice to host Africa-UK dialogue at LIDW26

As disputes become more complex and increasingly connected to African markets, collaboration between African and UK practitioners is more important than ever, says Fraser Mitchell, a partner at leading firm Lewis Silkin who acts in a range of complex cross-border disputes for a variety of clients, with significant experience involving Africa-based projects. 

Recognising that need, Lewis Silkin will host a key member event at this year’s London International Disputes Week (LIDW26), in collaboration with Africa Legal and with participation from the UK Ministry of Justice’s GREAT Legal Services campaign and The Law Society of England and Wales. 

Under the theme “From Trust to Transformation: Strengthening Africa–UK Dispute Resolution Partnerships,” the session will take place on Thursday, 4 June 2026 from 11.30am to 1.00pm, and will bring together African and UK legal leaders for a practical discussion on the future of international dispute resolution, followed by a lunch reception. 

Mark Evans, President of The Law Society of England and Wales, will deliver a keynote address to open the event. Moderated by Mitchell, the discussion will feature a distinguished panel including Jonathan Sahli, Head of Litigation at Bowmans; Soibi Ovia, Partner at DOA; Eric Gumbo, Managing Partner at G&A Advocates; and Gwendy Bannerman, Partner at N. Dowuona & Company, and explore how cross-border disputes involving African parties are evolving in scale, complexity and geopolitical sensitivity. Through real-world examples, the panel will examine key challenges including enforcement, cultural dynamics, and shifting investment patterns, while also highlighting the growing role of African law firms in international disputes.

“Africa’s growing role in global investment is reshaping the disputes landscape,” says Wendy Bampton, the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Africa Legal. “Creating space for open, practical dialogue between African and international practitioners is critical to ensuring dispute resolution frameworks remain effective, inclusive and trusted.”

The participation of the UK Ministry of Justice’s GREAT Legal Services campaign builds on its ongoing engagement with Africa Legal, and reflects the UK’s continued commitment to supporting London’s position as a leading hub for international dispute resolution. “This session provides an opportunity to share practical insights and explore how we can evolve dispute resolution frameworks to better support cross-border business,” adds Mitchell. 

Hosted at Lewis Silkin’s London offices, this member event will consider how London can continue to serve as a trusted global centre for dispute resolution, while adapting to the realities of increasing African investment and a more interconnected and complex global landscape. With a strong focus on practical solutions, the session will explore how governments, institutions and legal practitioners can work together to improve outcomes and strengthen collaboration across jurisdictions.

Drawing on Africa Legal’s network of African lawyers, General Counsel and legal professionals, the session will bring authentic African perspectives into the conversation at LIDW26, feature candid discussion on key issues and solutions, and connect practitioners across Africa and the UK disputes community. This event will conclude with a lunch reception, providing an opportunity for continued discussion and networking. 

Africa Legal has been a media partner to LIDW for the past four years, supporting greater connection between African legal markets and the global disputes community.

To register, please click here: https://register.lidw.co.uk/event/780