Africa Arbitration Awards 2023

The 10^th East Africa International Arbitration Conference (EAIAC) 2023 is delighted to announce the opening of nominations for the highly anticipated annual Africa Arbitration Awards (AAA) 2023. In its 4^th year, the Africa Arbitration Awards aim to celebrate, recognise, and honor outstanding practitioners and leaders in the Africa arbitration ecosystem and will be celebrated at a Gala Dinner on Friday 25th August 2023 in Zanzibar.

EAIAC has for the last nine years convened annual regional international arbitration forums, providing a platform for thousands to network, build partnerships and acquire new skills. EAIAC has profiled 450+ practitioners who have participated as speakers at the events. The Africa Arbitration Awards forms part of our vision of building international arbitration capacity, expanding our networks as we promote, profile and celebrate Africa’s success in international arbitration.

The five (5) Award categories are:

African Arbitrator of the Year (over 40 years of age, in a recent international arbitration
Leading Case Counsel Team (representative team in a recently completed case).
Young Arbitration Practitioner of the Year (under 40 years of age, in a recent international arbitration case).
Innovation in Arbitration (innovation by online platforms, and case teams)
Leading Arbitration Service Provider (such as experts, funders, forensics and transcription).

General Nomination Rules:

Below are general rules for all categories. Please note that specific nomination rules are available on: https://www.eastafricaarbitration.com/nominations/.

Nominations will require a detailed description (250-300 words) of why the nominee deserves the Award. Describe the special attribute that makes the Nominee deserving. Descriptions of other arbitration initiatives (such as conferences or trainings) can be provided.
Include a description the matters or case/cases that the nominee was/is involved in. Please anonymize confidential arbitration cases.
CVs/resumes are encouraged.
For team nominations, CV of team leader and description of each member of the team are encouraged.

“African Arbitrator of the Year” Nomination Rules

Over 40 years of age.
Based in an African country.
National of an African country.
Must be Africa National as nominee. Please observe confidentiality if applicable.
Relates to individual work or team leader work in an international commercial or investment arbitration.

Please indicate in your nomination:

Description (anonymized if the case is not public) of the international arbitration cases in which the nominee has acted as arbitrator to your knowledge.
Thought leadership regarding international arbitration in Africa the nominee was involved in to your knowledge.
Reasons why you think this nominee stands out and should win this award.

“Leading Case Counsel Team” Nomination Rules

Based in an African country.
Led by a national of an African country.

Please indicate in your nomination:

Description (anonymized if the case(s) are not public) of the international arbitration cases in which the nominee team has acted.
Description of any international arbitration case (anonymised if the case is not public) this team has acted on and which makes it stand out.
Reasons why you think this nominee team stands out and should win this award.
Must be or include an African national/organisation as nominee. Please observe confidentiality if applicable.
Relates to team work in an international commercial or investment arbitration.

“Young Arbitration Practitioner of the Year” Nomination Rules.

Under 40 years of age.
Based in an African country.
National of an African country.

Please indicate in your nomination:

Description (anonymised if the case is not public) of the international arbitration cases in which the nominee has acted as arbitrator to your knowledge.
Description (anonymised if the case is not public) of the international arbitration cases in which the nominee has acted as counsel to your knowledge.
Thought leadership regarding international arbitration in Africa the nominee was involved in to your knowledge.
Reasons why you think this nominee stands out and should win this award.

“Innovation in Arbitration Award” Nominations Rules.

Africa-based nominee (arbitration centre or arbitration-focused organisation)
Please describe in your nomination the innovation by the nominee which in your opinion deserves this award, including how it contributes to the development of arbitration in Africa.
Must be or include an African national/organisation as nominee. Please observe confidentiality if applicable.
Innovative idea, system, structure or way of doing business that has contributed to promoting Arbitration in Africa and preparing for the Future of Arbitration.
Includes the use of technology, innovative systems, innovative partnerships and innovative training programs, or any non-conventional idea

“Leading Arbitration Service Provider” Nominations Rules

Africa-based service provider (e.g., experts, forensics or third-party funders).
Please explain in your nomination what services relating to arbitration were provided by the nominee.
Reasons why you think this nominee stands out and should win this award.
Must be or include an African national/organisation as nominee. Please observe confidentiality if applicable.
Includes related services to arbitration such as expert witnesses, transcription, interpretation, forensics, dispute funding, tribunal secretaries, among others.