On March 6, 2025, the African-German Arbitration Cooperation (AfGAC) hosted a targeted online training on construction arbitration, bringing together legal and technical professionals from across Rwanda. This interactive session offered practical insights into dispute resolution within the construction industry, guided by a panel of international arbitration experts.
AfGAC Hosts Specialized Online Training on Construction Arbitration
On March 6, 2025, AfGAC successfully convened an online training via Zoom focused on construction arbitration. The event brought together a diverse group of participants – including lawyers, engineers, and quantity surveyors – from across Rwanda, fostering a robust exchange of ideas and experiences across disciplines. The training was made possible through the collaboration between KIAC and HAC.
Participants benefitted from the expertise of leading arbitration professionals:
- Claus H. Lenz (LDR Lenz Dispute Resolution, Hamburg)
- Georg Scherpf (Head of Arbitration Germany, Global Arbitration Group)
- Ms. Rener Katia (Clyde & Co’s Global Arbitration Group)
- Mr. Victor Mugabe (Secretary General, Kigali International Arbitration Centre – KIAC)
- Ms. Francoise Ingabire (Case Manager, KIAC)
- Mr. John Nyanje (LawCom Institute)
Enhancing Construction Arbitration Knowledge The session provided a practical introduction to the role of arbitration in the construction sector, where disputes frequently involve delays, defects, cost overruns, and complex contractual relationships. Trainers emphasized the importance of tailoring arbitration procedures to suit the highly technical and multidisciplinary nature of construction projects.
Key themes included:
- Delay and Disruption Claims: Trainers demonstrated how tools like critical path analysis can support effective claim preparation and presentation.
- Expert Evidence: The role of experts – engineers, architects, quantity surveyors – was explored in detail, including how to draft and challenge expert reports during proceedings.
- Evidence Management: Participants learned how to organize and present critical documentation such as contracts, site photos, and digital records in a coherent and persuasive manner.
- Arbitration Clauses in Construction Contracts: The trainers offered concrete guidance on drafting effective arbitration clauses, emphasizing the importance of clarity on arbitrator appointment, applicable law, and seat of arbitration. The value of early dispute resolution mechanisms, including dispute boards and mediation, was also highlighted.
Cross-Disciplinary Learning and Sectoral Impact The training fostered a productive dialogue between legal and technical professionals, underscoring the interdisciplinary nature of construction arbitration. It bridged theory and practice, equipping participants with concrete skills to handle construction-related disputes more effectively.
AfGAC is proud to have hosted this timely and impactful training, which forms part of its broader mission to build arbitration capacity across Africa. The success of this session marks another step forward in strengthening Rwanda’s construction dispute resolution ecosystem and promoting the use of arbitration as a trusted tool for managing complex infrastructure challenges.