The ICC International Court of Arbitration and white and case organised a breakfast and a panel discussion on the future of arbitration in Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone Africa on Wednesday, 29 June 2016, under the theme: “Out of Africa: The future of arbitration in the Continent”.

The Association for the Promotion of Arbitration in Africa (APAA) was invited and represented at the event by Mr. Julius NKAFU, Barrister at Great James Street in London (United Kingdom) and Member of APAA.

The event was successful in gathering over 100 delegates, including the following speakers:

1. Barrister Julius NKAFU, Member of APAA who gave an overview of OHADA and its influence in arbitration in Africa. Julius NKAFU also discussed the OHADA's opportunities and challenges and highlighted the example of the recently signed corporation agreement between ICC and OHADA as one of the positives outcomes. Further on the Getma International v. Republic of Guinea's case, he agrees with the set-aside award decision when referring to the law that makes it clear that arbitrators cannot negotiate fees with the parties under the CCJA's arbitration rules. Julius NKAFU also mentioned some of the ongoing projects at the APAA in promoting arbitration in Africa.
2. Tunde OUNSEITAN, Counsel, ICC International Court of Arbitration in Paris, introduced and discussed the latest ICC statistics for Africa about parties, the seat of arbitrations and arbitrators. He presented some ICC proceedings involving African component. Tunde OUNSEITAN further contributed to the Getma case debate and agreed that the Court was right in setting aside the award.
3. Olasupo SHASORE, former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos state (Nigeria), shared his experience in using the ICC rules and the IBA rules on evidence in Africa. He also contributed to the Getma case debate and confirmed that the court was right to set aside the award.

On the open interaction with the participants, the three panelists gave an overview of the future trends of arbitration disputes in Africa.

The conference closed with very positive feedbacks from delegates.

For more information, please contact: apaa.afrique@yhoo.fr