26 March, 2024We are thrilled to share an exciting update from the Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration (NCIA). On the 7th of March 2024, we marked a significant milestone as we joined forces with the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA), the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce and the Kigali International Arbitration Centre (KIAC) to sign a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Nairobi, Kenya. This collaboration, which began two years ago with the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, aims to enhance the international visibility and growth of arbitration in Africa. Our joint efforts have been focused on combining the principles of the rule of law and economics to create a conducive environment for international arbitration on the African continent. Throughout the journey leading up to the signing, representatives from the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce and the LawCom Institute, our project consultants, visited KIAC in Kigali and NCIA in Nairobi. They engaged with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, the Judiciary, private sector players, Bar Associations, Law Societies, foreign development agencies, German foreign representatives, academic institutions, and other key players. These engagements were crucial in building awareness for the project and seeking collaborations to ensure its success. The MoU covers various areas, including building awareness and visibility of our arbitral institutions in Germany, capacity building, promoting a sustainable pipeline of younger arbitrators, and strengthening the role of women in arbitration. This partnership signifies our collective dedication and commitment to creating an environment conducive to fostering the development of international arbitration and enhancing international business opportunities. By David Wambua |