Kigali, 05 June 2025 - The International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA) and the Kigali International Arbitration Centre (KIAC) jointly hosted the ICCA-KIAC 2025 Conference under the theme: “Africa & International Arbitration: Untold Stories.”

In his keynote address, the Hon. Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja reaffirmed Africa’s growing leadership in international arbitration and highlighted Rwanda as a strong example of how fair and effective dispute resolution systems can be developed on the continent.

 “Arbitration is key to building trust in trade, resolving disputes fairly, and advancing sustainable development across the continent,” the Minister stated.

He emphasized that Rwanda’s achievements are the result of long-term commitment and regional collaboration, noting, “Rwanda’s example shows that Africa can lead the way in arbitration; and this progress has been made possible through strong collaboration and shared commitment.”

The Minister pointed to the increasing relevance of arbitration in light of Africa’s economic transformation. "Africa is rapidly emerging as a global economic power. The continent’s growing economic confidence is a major catalyst, and with the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), international trade transactions are expected to increase. Arbitration offers a neutral and enforceable mechanism for resolving disputes, making it a vital tool in this evolving landscape." He said

Concluding his remarks, the Minister urged participants to go beyond sharing experiences and begin building practical solutions. “The future of arbitration in Africa will be shaped by those who are committed to building something bigger than ourselves,” he said. “What will be the legacy of the ICCA-KIAC 2025 Conference in Africa? What will it take for African arbitrators to truly reap the benefits of arbitration on the continent?”