Nigeria to Host 10th ICC Africa Arbitration Conference in Lagos

Lagos is set to host the landmark 10th edition of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Africa Conference on International Arbitration and ADR. The event, scheduled for June 3 to June 5 at the Lagos Continental Hotel, will convene the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Attorneys-General, and leading arbitration experts from more than 30 countries. Delegates from Africa, Europe, and Asia are expected to attend.

Dorothy Ufeme Ufot, Chair of the ICC Nigeria Arbitration and ADR Commission, highlighted Nigeria's selection as host as a significant endorsement of its rising influence in international commercial dispute resolution. She noted that the ICC headquarters in Paris chose Nigeria due to its successful track record in hosting previous editions and its expanding role in global arbitration, despite competition from several other African nations.

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This is the 10th ICC Africa Conference and many countries indicated interest in hosting it. Nigeria was chosen because of our successful history and the confidence ICC has in our capacity.

The conference, themed "A Decade of Excellence: Shaping the Future of International Arbitration and ADR in Africa," will delve into emerging issues in dispute resolution. Topics include infrastructure disputes, the energy transition, digital economy conflicts, artificial intelligence, investment protection, and geopolitical risks. Ufot emphasized international arbitration as the preferred method for resolving complex commercial disputes, particularly in sectors like oil and gas, construction, and technology.

Ufot expressed concern that despite Africa's rich natural resources, disputes arising from investments and commercial activities are often resolved outside the continent. This deprives African professionals and institutions of valuable opportunities and revenue. She stressed the importance of Africans participating in resolving disputes linked to their own resources and investments. Ufot also acknowledged past challenges where African legal practitioners were overlooked due to perceived lack of expertise, but noted their significant investment in training and active participation in global arbitration institutions have changed this narrative.

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If businesses are coming to Africa and generating wealth from our resources, Africans must also participate in resolving the disputes arising from those transactions.