On 14 November 2018, CRCICA organized with Al Tamimi & Company a networking lunch and a Panel Discussion on: “Arbitration in Africa.” The panelists were Ms. Leyou Tameru, Legal Consultant and Founder of I-Arb Africa (Ethiopia), Mr. Ucheora Onwuamaegbu, International Attorney, Arent Fox LLP, and Dr. Ismail Selim. The panel was moderated by Mr. Thomas Snider, Partner, Al Tamimi & Company, who indicated that “the focus on Africa during Dubai Arbitration Week was timely as trade and investment between the African continent and the Middle East continues to grow.”

The panel discussed important issues related to international arbitration in Africa. Ms. Tameru focused on I-Arb Africa and Mr. Onwuamaegbu delivered a presentation titled “Investment arbitration involving African parties and the proposed changes to the ICSID Rules,” where he highlighted ICSID cases involving African countries, the inadequate appointment of African arbitrators and discussed the new mediation and expedited proceedings proposed by ICSID. Dr. Selim focused on recent developments in arbitration in Africa and the development of African arbitral institutions with modern rules. He highlighted the continuing increase in the number of cases administered by these institutions.