Kenya: East Africa International Arbitration Conference Slated For August In Nairobi

The 7th edition of East Africa International Arbitration Conference will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, this summer, on the 29th & 30th August, 2019, at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

The conference, which will be on the theme: ‘Government Contracting and Investment Disputes: Lessons for States and Investors’, will explore the full spectrum of government contracting from procurement and PPPs (public-private partnerships), tender disputes, dispute mitigation in government contracts, investment arbitration and arbitrating with governments in African centres.

EAIAC provides an unrivalled platform for International Arbitration practitioners, arbitration users, state counsel, academia, and in-house corporate lawyers to learn, share best practice, network and deliberate on International Arbitration as an important tool for promoting FDI in Africa.

“EAIAC equally provides a forum to promote, profile and celebrate Africa’s International Arbitration & Arbitrators,” a statement copied to energynewsafrica.com said.

Boosted by its long-term development blueprint, Vision 2030, and its mid-term development plan, the Big Four Agenda, Kenya is indeed the most fitting venue for the conference.

The country has experienced a surge in government contracting over the recent past and only last year, the Kenya government successfully defended two high profile investment arbitrations: an ICC arbitration relating to the power sector; and an ICSID arbitration in the mining sector.

Notably, across Kenya’s borders, various African countries have also published blueprints to be mid-level economies by the first half of this century.

The momentum for investment in Africa’s investment in renewable energy, infrastructure development, agriculture, healthcare and education continues despite global uncertainty.

These interests in African economies are further encouraged by the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) which entered into force on the 30th May, 2019 with 24 out of 55 African states having deposited their instruments of ratification. 

“We see some governments making attempts to become transparent and efficient in contracting. All these developments set out a strong case for international arbitration and its development in the continent. It is for this reason that the East Africa International Arbitration platform exists, to promote the arbitration practice, support Africa centres build relationships and their profile, create a platform for shared experience, a place where arbitration practitioners and users can meet to network and acquire new skills,” it said.

The discussion topics would be delivered by leading Africa and international experts in discussion panels, Oxford-style debates and master classes, tackling some of the pertinent issues in Africa’s arbitration space. 

The keynote address would be delivered by Hon. Justice David Maraga, Chief Justice, Republic of Kenya.

The speakers would attempt to respond to questions like; How can governments and investors better contract? Disputes are expensive, even for the winner-can they be mitigated? Can damages be better assessed and recovered? Do African International Arbitration Centres and Practitioners have a place in investment arbitration and many more.

 Africa Arbitration Awards 2019

In addition to this year’s programme, the EAIAC would celebrate achievements and success in Africa Arbitration at the Inaugural Africa Arbitration Awards 2019.

Africa Arbitration Awards aims at celebrating, recognizing and honouring outstanding practitioners and leaders in the Africa arbitration ecosystem and would be celebrated at the Gala Dinner on Friday 30th August, 2019, at the Radisson Blu, Nairobi.

Awards Categories:

African Arbitrator of the Year

Young African Arbitrator of the Year

Leading Case Counsel Team

Innovation in Arbitration

Leading Case Service Provider

Nominations Process

Nominations are open to all International Arbitration practitioners in Africa. Self nomination is allowed.

Nominations would be subjected to a panel of judges for review.

Three shortlisted nominees would be announced for a round of voting by the Arbitration community.
The overall winners would be announced at the Awards Gala Dinner.

Nominations are open at www.AfricaArbitrationAwards.org We invite you to celebrate an amazing person in arbitration, including your contacts, colleagues, or team by nominating them in either of the categories above