At the opening of the Lady Justice Joyce Aluoch International ADR Moot 2025, held at USIU-Africa, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) delivered a message underscoring the vital role this competition plays in shaping the future of dispute resolution in Africa. While primarily an academic exercise, the moot was described as a meaningful investment in the next generation of ADR professionals across the continent.
Framed by this year’s theme, “Bridging Borders: ADR as the Key to Resolving Trade and Regional Disputes under AfCFTA,” the address highlighted the inevitable emergence of cross-border disputes as intra-African trade deepens under the African Continental Free Trade Area. ADR was positioned not only as a practical and efficient mechanism for resolving these disputes, but also as one that resonates with local contexts and builds the trust essential for sustainable regional integration.
Students were encouraged to view themselves not merely as participants in a competition, but as emerging mediators, arbitrators, and problem-solvers who will soon play a central role in Africa’s legal and commercial landscape. Universities were recognized as key entry points for nurturing this talent, and moots such as this one offer a powerful platform to explore the real-world complexities of dispute resolution.
The message also extended an invitation to students to invest early in their professional development by pursuing CIArb training and becoming active members of the CIArb Young Members Group (YMG). The YMG offers opportunities for continued learning, mentorship, and access to a global community of professionals committed to excellence in dispute resolution.
Practitioners in attendance were reminded that such competitions are not just about academic performance; they serve as important talent pipelines. The students they observe today are the professionals they will collaborate with tomorrow. By supporting these initiatives, practitioners help nurture and shape the next generation of dispute resolvers strengthening the broader ADR ecosystem and enhancing Africa’s ability to manage trade and investment disputes under AfCFTA.
The address concluded with a clear vision: ADR is no longer just an “alternative.” It is central to Africa’s growth and integration story. Through CIArb and the Young Members Group, today’s students can begin building the networks, skills, and mentorships that will position them as trusted and capable dispute resolution professionals in Africa and beyond.
Reported By Akoth Aluoh, MCIArb
