The CCJ Registry paid a courtesy call on the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) on 12 February 2026 at the LAZ House in Luska, Zambia. The meeting explored areas of collaboration aimed at strengthening regional legal practice and enhancing awareness of the Court’s mandate, jurisdiction, and procedural framework among legal practitioners in Zambia.

The meeting opened with introductory remarks by Mr. Edward Sakala, Executive Director of the LAZ, who welcomed the delegation and underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration between national bar associations and regional judicial institutions.

In his remarks, Mr. Sakala outlined the Association’s four key pillars namely collaboration with international organisations and other law associations, facilitation of fellowships and scholarships, advocacy for international agreements, and the promotion of educational and exchange programmes, noting that these provide a strong foundation upon which structured cooperation with the CCJ could be developed.

During the meeting, the Registrar, Hon. Nyambura Mbatia noted that awareness of the Court’s jurisdiction and mandate within COMESA Member States remains an important factor in enhancing utilisation of the Court, particularly among legal practitioners.

Emphasising the critical role of the Bar, she observed that “the effectiveness of a court is closely linked to the quality and preparedness of counsel appearing before it”, underscoring the importance of practitioners being familiar with the Court’s mandate, jurisdiction, and procedural framework.

As part of the engagement, the Court provided an overview of the new COMESA Court of Justice Rules of Procedure, 2025, including provisions on Court-annexed Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and the ADR Roster, to which qualified arbitrators and mediators may apply to be listed in accordance with the 2025 Rules.

The meeting identified practical areas of cooperation, including the organisation of CPD-accredited webinars on CCJ related topics and workshops or  targeted trainings on the Court’s procedural framework and the COMESA Court Digital Evidence Management System (CCDEMS).

The CCJ also expressed its willingness to support LAZ moot court initiatives aimed at fostering early awareness of regional litigation among law students.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue collaborative engagement and to develop practical implementation frameworks for the agreed areas of cooperation.