Lagos is set to host the 10th ICC Africa Conference on International Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), bringing together leading arbitration experts, legal practitioners, and business leaders from across the world to discuss the future of dispute resolution in Africa.
Event Details and Theme
The conference, organized by the ICC International Court of Arbitration in collaboration with ICC Nigeria, will take place from June 3 to 5, 2026, at the Lagos Continental Hotel. The theme for this milestone event is “A Decade of Excellence: Shaping the Future of International Arbitration & ADR in Africa.”
Pre-Conference Training
Activities will commence on June 3 with an advanced training session on drafting enforceable awards, hosted by the ICC Institute of World Business Law. This session aims to equip participants with practical knowledge on crafting arbitral awards that can be effectively enforced across jurisdictions.
Main Conference Sessions
The main conference, scheduled for June 4 and 5, will focus on critical topics such as cross-border commercial disputes, enforcement of arbitral awards, investment arbitration, energy and infrastructure disputes, and the role of technology and innovation in arbitration. Organizers noted that the conference will also explore Africa’s evolving role within the global arbitration system, providing a platform for discussions on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping international arbitration and ADR on the continent.
Notable Speakers
The event will feature prominent speakers and arbitration experts, including Lateef Olasukanmi Fagbemi, President of the ICC International Court of Arbitration, Claudia Salomon, Dorothy Udeme Ufot, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Afam Osigwe, Lawal Pedro, and Funke Adekoya.
Importance for Africa
Speaking ahead of the conference, ICC Nigeria described the gathering as a vital platform for strengthening arbitration practice across Africa and promoting investor confidence through efficient dispute resolution systems. According to the organization, effective arbitration and ADR mechanisms remain crucial for economic growth and international business transactions across the continent.
Expected Attendance
The conference is expected to attract lawyers, arbitrators, corporate counsel, judges, academics, regulators, policymakers, and other professionals from various African countries.
Nigeria’s Position
With Lagos hosting the event, organizers stated that it further reinforces Nigeria’s status as a leading center for international arbitration, legal innovation, and commercial dispute resolution in Africa.
