Lagos is set to host judges, attorneys-general, arbitration practitioners and business leaders from more than 30 countries for the 10th edition of the ICC Africa Conference on International Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
The conference, organised by ICC Nigeria under the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), will take place from June 3 to 5, 2026, at the Lagos Continental Hotel.
Themed, “A Decade of Excellence: Shaping the Future of International Arbitration and ADR in Africa,” the event will bring together local and international participants to discuss the evolving landscape of dispute resolution across Africa and beyond.
Speaking at a pre-conference media briefing in Lagos, Dorothy Udeme Ufot, SAN, chair of the ICC Nigeria Arbitration and ADR Commission, said Nigeria’s emergence as host country underscores its growing reputation in international commercial arbitration.
“This is a landmark edition of the ICC Africa Conference and many countries wanted to host it. Nigeria was selected based on the confidence ICC has in our ability and the success of previous conferences hosted here,” she said.
She also revealed that, Claudia Salomon, president of the ICC International Court of Arbitration, will lead a delegation from Paris to the conference.
She added that the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Attorney-General of Lagos State and attorneys-general from other countries are also expected to attend.
The conference will examine emerging issues shaping global dispute resolution, including infrastructure and energy disputes, investment protection, artificial intelligence, digital economy conflicts, geopolitical risks and fast-track arbitration procedures.
Olubunmi Osuntuyi, secretary-general of ICC Nigeria, said the event would feature specialised training sessions facilitated by experts from the ICC Institute of World Business Law and other international arbitration bodies.
She noted that participants would receive practical training on drafting enforceable arbitral awards, arbitration cost management, judicial support for arbitration and drafting effective arbitration clauses.
Jean Chiazor Anishere, SAN, co-chair of the conference planning committee, said the growing recognition of African arbitrators on the global stage reflects the continent’s increasing expertise in handling complex commercial disputes.
According to her, hosting the conference will further reinforce Nigeria’s position as one of Africa’s leading arbitration destinations.
Ufot described arbitration as a preferred dispute resolution mechanism for cross-border commercial transactions, particularly within the oil and gas, infrastructure, construction and technology sectors.
She, however, expressed concern that many disputes arising from investments and business activities in Africa are still resolved outside the continent, limiting opportunities for African professionals and institutions.
“If investors are doing business in Africa and benefiting from our resources, Africans should also be part of resolving disputes connected to those transactions,” she said.
She noted that African practitioners were previously overlooked in international arbitration due to assumptions about limited expertise in handling high-value commercial disputes.
According to her, African lawyers and arbitrators have since invested heavily in training, international exposure and participation in global arbitration institutions, leading to increased appointments in international arbitration and global recognition.
The conference will round off with a gala dinner marking the 10th anniversary of the ICC Africa Conference and celebrating achievements recorded in arbitration practice across the continent.
