Chief Justices and senior judicial leaders from across Africa have resolved to make Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) a central component of commercial justice on the continent.
This landmark decision was the key outcome of the inaugural Africa Commercial Courts Summit, held at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Uganda.
Held under the theme “Effective Commercial Dispute Resolution for Africa,” the two-day summit spotlighted the need for commercial justice systems that are accessible, efficient, and affordable.
Uganda’s Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo says the continent’s top judicial officers have agreed to strengthen ADR frameworks across their jurisdictions, promote continent-wide training, and leverage technology and artificial intelligence in dispute resolution.
He emphasized the role of justice as a facilitator not a barrier to doing business in Africa.
He also proposed that the summit become an annual fixture to review progress and deepen cooperation.
The Director at Africa House London, Emmanuel Finndoro-Obasi hailed the summit’s resolutions, stating they would make Africa a more attractive and secure destination for investment.
Speaking on behalf of the Standing International Forum of Commercial Courts, Robin Knowles, says the reforms would help establish the legal certainty and efficiency that businesses require to flourish.
Participants from Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania, and the East African Court of Justice reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration, pledging to ensure that ADR continues to evolve as a key pillar of commercial justice systems across Africa.
