During the week of 13-17 May 2019, CRCICA hosted and co-organized a Training Course on “the Settlement of Disputes: The African Continental Free Trade Area”. Organized by the African Union (“AU”), the training aimed at raising the capacities of AU member states in arbitration and alternative dispute settlement mechanisms, especially in light of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Conducted in the form of interactive discussions allowing maximum exchange of views, the agenda focused on investment and commercial arbitration, appointment of arbitrators, enforcement of arbitral awards, the WTO and the future for Africa. It also discussed the AfCFTA, the Pan African Investment Code, and the negotiations of dispute settlement instruments. Opening and closing speeches were delivered by her Excellency Ambassador Dr. Namira Negm, Legal Counsel of the AU. Speakers included eminent professors of the Universities of Cairo and Geneva, members of the ICC, ICSD, and UNCTAD. Dr. Mohamed Hafez, Counsel, Legal Advisor to the Director presented an overview on CRCICA’s structure, facilities, activities, and recognitions. Participants were diplomats and legal public officials from 25 African countries namely; Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Gana, Kenya, Libya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Saharawi Arab Republic, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, in addition to some of the AU Legal Office Staff