Organisation Profile
The Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (the “CRCICA” or the “Centre”) is an independent non-profit international organization established in 1979 under the auspices of the Asian African Legal Consultative Organization (“AALCO”), in pursuance of AALCO’s decision taken at the Doha Session in 1978 to establish regional centres for international commercial arbitration in Asia and Africa. In 1979, an agreement was concluded between AALCO and the Egyptian Government for the establishment of CRCICA for an experimental period of three years. Pursuant to subsequent agreements concluded between AALCO and the Egyptian Government in 1983, 1986 and 1989, CRCICA continued to function for two additional similar periods, after which it was granted permanent status. Pursuant to the Headquarters Agreement concluded in 1987 between AALCO and the Egyptian Government, CRCICA’s status as an international organization was recognized and the Centre and its branches were endowed with all necessary privileges and immunities ensuring their independent functioning. Since its establishment, the CRCICA has administered more than 1460 arbitration cases. During its annual meeting in November 2020, CRCICA’s Board of Trustees unanimously and proudly voted on the renewal of Dr. Ismail Selim’s mandate as Director of CRCICA for a second 4-year term ends in 2024. Imminent international and African awards and recognitions during 2020 and early 2021: • In February 2021, CRCICA’s Director Dr. Ismail Selim was selected by the Africa Arbitration Academy among Africa’s 30 Arbitration Powerlist 2020. • In December 2020, CRCICA was the Winner of the 2020 AfAA Awards in the Categories of Diversity Champion and African Institution of the year. • In December 2020, CRCICA was recognized as one of Africa’s 30 Arbitration Powerlist by the Association of Young Arbitrators (AYA) • In August 2020, CRCICA was selected the accredited Arbitration Centre for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) by virtue of the HQ Agreement between the CAF and the government of the ARE. • In August 2020, CRCICA’s Deputy Director was an Award Judge for Africa Arbitration Awards 2020 and was a Mentor at the AYA’s 2nd Edition of the Mentoring Program for Young Arbitration Practitioners in Africa. CRCICA’s Counsel and Legal Adviser to the Director was recognized as well as one of Africa's 50 Most Promising Young Arbitration Practitioners in 2020. • In May 2020, the Equal Representation in Arbitration Pledge recognized CRCICA and its Director for being an active member for the Pledge’s recently constituted Africa subcommittee and for the continued efforts on diversity. • It is worth mentioning that Dr. Selim is a founding member of the AfAA Board of Directors and a frequent speaker and panelist in distinguishes African events.