The East Africa International Arbitration is being held from 17 to 18 September 2026, at Serana Hotel, Kigali, Rwanda with a theme “Bridging Continents: Africa- Asia Perspectives on International Arbitration”.

The Conference was attended by delegates from many African national and regional Law Societies and from abroad, and other stakeholders from public and private sectors. On behalf the COMESA Court of Justice (CCJ) was Honourable Justice Dr Baroreraho Onesphore, Honourable Justice Ibrahim Hamid. Honourable Dr. Woubishet Shiferaw (the Registrar) and Honourable Ruboneza Philippe (the Deputy Registrar) attended the Conference.

During the opening session, the guest of honour Honourable Dr. Ugirashebuja Emmanuel, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Republic of Rwanda emphasised the Conference is not only aiming at bridging Africa – Asia as continents but to bridge the two continents in collaboration in respect of many aspects including arbitrations. He further, highlighted the role of using the Artificial Intelligence (AI) stressing that AI has to be used responsibly given that it is not a decision- maker, mentioning that fairness and justice remain the responsibility of the human being.

The topics elaborated in the Conference focused on Africa-Asia Business Ties and Current Trends, Anatomy of Asia-Africa Disputes, and at a topic on the Africa-Asia Arbitration Ecosystem: A Look at Seats of Arbitration. During different presentations it was realised that African Arbitrations are fragmented hence, there is a need to consolidate, coalize and strengthen African Arbitration Institutions.