Africa’s ADR Future: Forging Our Path, Leading the Change
A Recap of the First Joint YMG Webinar
In a powerful display of unity, leadership, and vision, young arbitration professionals from across the African continent came together for the first joint Young Members Group (YMG) webinar organized by branches and chapters of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) from Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Nigeria, and Ghana, in collaboration with the Young African Arbitration Association (Young AFA). The webinar, titled “Africa’s ADR Future: Forging Our Path, Leading the Change,” was a significant step in building a Pan-African conversation around the present and future of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) on the continent.
The webinar opened with welcoming remarks from Gavamukulya Charles, Chair of the Uganda YMG, who acknowledged the participation of attendees from various countries and thanked the panelists, many of whom are African professionals making their mark across different global jurisdictions. He emphasized that the intention behind the event was not just to foster dialogue, but also to catalyze sustainable collaboration among YMGs across Africa, enabling young practitioners to engage, grow, and lead with a shared sense of purpose.
Following Charles’s introduction, Suubi Elizabeth, who served as the webinar’s program director, reiterated the importance of the session’s theme. She reminded participants that the session would be recorded and that the platform was meant to be interactive, encouraging participants to submit their questions in the chat for the panelists to address later in the program. She then invited Charles to return for brief remarks before handing over to the keynote speaker.
In his follow-up, Charles described the webinar as a first-of-its-kind Pan-African initiative, which had been in the works for several months. He expressed his appreciation to all the YMG and YMC chairs for their openness, collaboration, and shared belief in the potential of young African arbitration professionals. According to him, this partnership across national boundaries is not only timely but essential in creating a strong, united front in shaping the future of ADR in Africa. He noted that the webinar was structured into two major panels: one focusing on YMG leadership and the future of ADR on the continent, and the other featuring seasoned practitioners engaging in a more technical discussion on ethics and Africa’s credibility as a preferred arbitration seat.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Chikwendu Madumere, CIArb Trustee for Africa, commended the YMG leaders for initiating the webinar and expressed personal satisfaction at seeing the emergence of what he called “an army” of young arbitration professionals across the continent. His speech was both motivational and critical, challenging attendees to not just understand their place in history but also to be intentional about shaping it. Drawing on historical reflections, he emphasized that Africa’s past underrepresentation in international arbitration could be attributed to several factors, including perceived lack of expertise, infrastructure, and legal frameworks. However, he asserted that while Africa has come a long way, the journey is far from over.
Dr. Madumere spoke passionately about the need to move from a mindset of building empires that exclude, to creating legacies that include and empower. He pointed out that true progress lies in intentionally supporting young members, giving them visibility, and exposing them to best practices. Governance within local CIArb branches, he noted, must be geared toward inclusion and the development of future leaders rather than entrenchment of a few individuals. This, he argued, is the only way to make African ADR structures competitive at the global level.
He praised the YMGs in various countries for their dynamism and innovation, mentioning individuals by name and noting their educational and professional strides whether through postgraduate studies abroad, leadership roles in regional networks, or active involvement in CIArb activities. He highlighted that becoming competitive in the global ADR space requires more than passion; it demands demonstrated expertise, visibility, and value. He closed his keynote with a reminder that no one is appointed an arbitrator merely on the basis of friendship only value commands opportunity.
The first panel session, moderated by Herman Omiti, Chair of the Young African Arbitration Association, picked up from where Dr. Madumere’s address left off. Comprising chairs of various YMGs, the panel focused on the practical steps being taken across the continent to empower young professionals, create platforms for engagement, and build institutional capacity. Herman framed the discussion around the strategies and visions each YMG had put in place to ensure that young practitioners don’t just enter the arbitration field but thrive within it.
Representing Ghana, Lauraine Darkwah shared that the Ghana chapter is still in the process of fully formalizing its YMG. However, that hasn’t stopped them from being proactive. With a growing number of young arbitration enthusiasts over 700 of whom are already engaged in an active communication group Ghana’s YMG has launched several promising initiatives. One such initiative is a weekly “Featured Member Series,” where individual members are spotlighted for their achievements and career development. This simple but effective strategy has opened doors for speaking engagements, mentorship, and increased visibility. The group has also run a structured mentorship program over the past two years, pairing junior practitioners with seasoned experts. Additionally, consistent promotion of associate training has ensured that many young professionals are being equipped with the necessary credentials to practice effectively.
Speaking for the Kenya YMG, David Onsare emphasized that their guiding vision is encapsulated in three words: Potential to Practice. He explained that while it is commendable for young members to gain qualifications, it is far more critical to provide them with tangible pathways into real-world arbitration practice. David and his team are focused on creating platforms where members don’t just learn about ADR but actively contribute to it. He stressed the need for infrastructure that supports practice-readiness from mentorship and live case exposure to involvement in arbitral institutions. David was clear that the vision does not belong to him alone but is shared by the entire committee and membership all working together to build not just members, but future leaders.
Although full remarks from other chairs such as Charles Mhoney (Malawi), Majimite (Nigeria), Charles Gava (Uganda), and Kate (Zambia) were reserved for later in the session, they were recognized as important contributors to the collective vision being discussed. Particularly noted was Kate’s recent election to lead the Zambia YMG, taking over from her predecessor Moleba, and the enthusiasm with which she has stepped into the role.
As the webinar progressed, one thing became increasingly clear: this is a moment of transition and transformation in Africa’s ADR space. The young professionals leading these groups are not waiting for the future to arrive they are actively shaping it. Through mentorship, structured learning, visibility campaigns, and cross-border collaboration, the continent is cultivating a new generation of ADR professionals who are capable, confident, and connected.
The tone of the discussion was best captured in Dr. Madumere’s parting words: “People may not like your face, but nobody can deny the value you bring to the table.” His call to action for continuous learning, relentless visibility, and unwavering commitment to excellence echoed throughout the session and resonated with the hundreds of participants who joined from different regions.
As the first joint YMG webinar of its kind, this event marks the beginning of what promises to be a long-term, strategic movement toward greater African leadership in the ADR world. By investing in its young professionals, promoting inclusion, and aligning with global best practices, Africa is not just catching up it is beginning to lead.
The webinar concluded with the promise of more to come: more collaboration, more opportunities, and more spaces where young African voices in arbitration are not only heard but are shaping the agenda.
A full recording of the webinar will be made available to all registered participants.
For continued engagement, mentorship opportunities, and event updates, follow your national YMG branch and the Young African Arbitration Association (Young AFA).
