The Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Kenya Branch, Prof. Wyne Kenneth Mutuma, MBS, C.Arb, participated in a distinguished panel discussion during Dar Arbitration Week 2026, contributing to a timely conversation on the future of sustainable arbitration in Africa.
The session, titled “Women Shaping the Future of Sustainable Arbitration: Leadership, Innovation and Inclusion in Investment, Infrastructure and Extractive Industries,” brought together respected ADR practitioners and thought leaders to examine the transformative role of women in strengthening arbitration across the continent.
The panel explored how inclusive leadership is reshaping dispute resolution in Africa, particularly within sectors that continue to drive the continent’s economic growth, including infrastructure development, energy, mining, and investment. Speakers emphasized that as these sectors become increasingly complex, there is a growing need for diverse perspectives, technical expertise, and collaborative leadership to ensure arbitration remains an effective and trusted means of resolving disputes.
Throughout the discussion, participants reflected on the significant progress women have made in international arbitration while acknowledging the continued importance of creating opportunities for greater participation at all levels of the profession. The conversation highlighted the value of mentorship, professional development, and capacity-building initiatives in preparing the next generation of arbitrators to handle sophisticated commercial and investment disputes.
A key focus of the session was the growing influence of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations in international arbitration. As governments, investors, and corporations increasingly prioritize sustainable development, panelists discussed the evolving role of arbitration in addressing disputes arising from ESG obligations, energy transition projects, infrastructure investments, and the extractive industries.
Prof. Mutuma underscored the importance of building a dispute resolution ecosystem that reflects Africa’s diversity and aspirations. He emphasized that sustainable arbitration requires not only technical excellence but also inclusive leadership that encourages participation across genders, professions, and jurisdictions. Developing local expertise and strengthening institutional capacity, he noted, remain essential to ensuring African practitioners are well positioned to lead disputes arising from the continent’s expanding investment landscape.
Joining Prof. Mutuma on the panel were Aisha Abdallah, FCIArb and Chief Executive Officer of the Ciarb Rwanda Branch Mispa FRI Awasum, Ph.D. (Cand.), LLM, MSc, LLB, MCIArb (UK), who moderated the engaging discussion. Together, the panelists shared valuable insights on leadership, innovation, mentorship, and the future of sustainable arbitration in Africa, emphasizing that diversity and inclusion are no longer aspirational goals but strategic imperatives for the continued growth of the profession.
The session formed part of the wider Dar Arbitration Week 2026, which brought together arbitration practitioners, legal professionals, academics, policymakers, and industry leaders from across Africa and beyond to exchange ideas on the evolving landscape of international dispute resolution.
Ciarb Kenya’s participation reflects the Branch’s continued commitment to contributing to regional and international conversations that shape the future of Alternative Dispute Resolution. Through active engagement in forums such as Dar Arbitration Week, the Branch continues to strengthen partnerships across Africa while promoting excellence in arbitration, mediation, adjudication, and other ADR mechanisms.
As the legal and commercial environment continues to evolve, Ciarb Kenya remains dedicated to advancing diversity, inclusion, mentorship, and professional excellence, while supporting the development of highly skilled ADR practitioners capable of resolving the complex disputes that accompany Africa’s economic transformation.
By championing inclusive leadership and investing in the next generation of dispute resolution professionals, Ciarb Kenya continues to play an important role in shaping a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable arbitration ecosystem for Africa.
Ciarb Kenya’s leadership continued to make a significant contribution during the closing session of Day Two at Dar Arbitration Week 2026, with Vice Chairman David Njoroge, FCIArb, taking to the panel alongside the Branch’s Chair Emeritus, Samuel M. Nderitu, FCIArb, who moderated the high-level discussion.
The session, titled “The Future of Extractive Industries Arbitration in Africa: Advancing Sustainable Resource Governance, Energy Transition and Investment Confidence,” brought together some of Africa’s foremost legal practitioners and dispute resolution experts at the Delta Hotels by Marriott, Dar es Salaam, to examine the evolving role of arbitration in supporting sustainable resource governance, facilitating Africa’s energy transition, and strengthening investor confidence across the continent’s extractive industries.
As moderator, Samuel M. Nderitu, FCIArb, skillfully steered the conversation, drawing on his extensive experience in arbitration to guide a dynamic and insightful discussion. His moderation challenged panelists to explore practical solutions to the legal and commercial issues facing Africa’s extractive industries, while emphasizing the importance of modern arbitration frameworks in promoting sustainable investment, responsible resource management, and cross-border collaboration.
Representing Ciarb Kenya on the panel, David Njoroge, FCIArb, joined an esteemed lineup of speakers including:
Together, the panel examined how arbitration continues to play a pivotal role in resolving disputes arising from mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, and other extractive industries, particularly as African states seek to balance sustainable resource governance with the need to attract responsible investment. The discussion also highlighted the importance of efficient dispute resolution mechanisms in supporting infrastructure development, regional integration, investor confidence, and long-term economic growth.
The participation of both Vice Chairman David Njoroge and Chair Emeritus Samuel M. Nderitu showcased the depth of expertise within Ciarb Kenya and reinforced the Branch’s reputation as a leading contributor to regional and international ADR discourse. Their combined presence on the stage reflected CIArb Kenya’s continued commitment to thought leadership, professional excellence, and advancing conversations that shape the future of arbitration across Africa.
The participation of Prof. Wyne Kenneth Mutuma, MBS, C.Arb, Vice Chairman David Njoroge, FCIArb, and Chair Emeritus Samuel M. Nderitu, FCIArb, at Dar Arbitration Week 2026 underscores Ciarb Kenya’s unwavering commitment to contributing to regional conversations that are shaping the future of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Africa.
Their engagements throughout the conference demonstrated the Branch’s leadership in promoting dialogue on critical issues, including sustainable investment, energy transition, extractive industries, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations, infrastructure development, diversity and inclusion, and the strengthening of arbitration as a trusted mechanism for resolving increasingly complex commercial and investment disputes.
As Africa continues to witness significant growth in cross-border trade, infrastructure development, and natural resource investment, Ciarb Kenya remains committed to fostering professional excellence, building capacity, and supporting the development of robust ADR systems that enhance investor confidence and contribute to sustainable economic development across the continent.
Through active participation in forums such as Dar Arbitration Week 2026, Ciarb Kenya continues to strengthen strategic partnerships, share expertise, and reinforce its position as a leading institution advancing arbitration, mediation, adjudication, and other forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution both regionally and internationally.
CIArb Kenya Branch Chairman FCS Jaqueline Waihenya expresses her deepest gratitude to all the valued partners, fellows, and members who attended the significant event of celebrating 40 Years of Excellence
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