On April 16, 2025, AfGAC hosted an online training session dedicated to core principles of arbitration. Bringing together professionals from legal, engineering, and technical backgrounds, the session offered a focused and practical refresher on arbitration fundamentals, guided by seasoned international experts.
A Well-Attended Refresher on Arbitration Essentials
As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening arbitration capacity in Africa, the African-German Arbitration Cooperation (AfGAC) conducted an online training titled General Areas of Arbitration, serving as a refresher for participants who had previously attended in-person sessions in Kigali in 2024. The training attracted 53 professionals from the legal, engineering, and quantity surveying sectors, underscoring the cross-disciplinary relevance of arbitration in commercial and infrastructure-related disputes.
Distinguished Speakers and Rich Institutional Insights
The session featured presentations by leading arbitration experts and practitioners:
- Dr. Ulrich Theune, Of Counsel, Baumann Resolving Disputes
- Ms. Vivian Elvers, Associate, Baumann Resolving Disputes
- Mr. Victor Mugabe, Secretary General, KIAC
- Ms. Francoise Ingabire, Case Manager, KIAC
- Mr. John Nyanje, LawCom Institute
The blend of international legal expertise and regional institutional knowledge enriched the training and offered participants both theoretical grounding and practical guidance.
Focusing on Core Arbitration Concepts
The training opened with an overview of arbitration as a widely used method for resolving disputes, particularly in commercial contexts. Trainers emphasized arbitration’s core advantages – including confidentiality, procedural flexibility, and the enforceability of awards under international conventions such as the New York Convention.
Participants explored the distinction between ad hoc and institutional arbitration, gaining clarity on when and how each model is used in practice.
A key section of the session focused on the applicable legal frameworks governing arbitration. Trainers explained the differences between the law of the contract, the law governing the arbitration agreement, and the procedural law of the arbitration itself. Participants were guided through examples illustrating how poorly drafted clauses can create legal uncertainty, and how clear arbitration agreements can mitigate risk and enhance enforceability
Jurisdiction, Arbitrator Selection, and Procedural Fairness
The trainers also addressed foundational principles concerning arbitral jurisdiction. Participants examined the scope and function of arbitration agreements, the doctrine of severability, and the kompetenz-kompetenz principle, which allows arbitral tribunals to determine their own jurisdiction.
The session included a deep dive into the process of appointing arbitrators, highlighting standards of independence and impartiality. Practical guidance was given on how to challenge arbitrators and the procedures typically used by institutions to address such concerns.
Balancing Risk Through Security for Costs and Enforcement Mechanisms
An important segment of the training was devoted to the topic of security for costs – a protective tool in arbitration that helps manage financial risk. Trainers explained when such measures may be ordered by tribunals and how fairness, proportionality, and access to justice are balanced.
The session concluded with a discussion on setting aside and non-enforcement of arbitral awards. Participants reviewed the limited grounds upon which courts may annul or refuse enforcement, including jurisdictional defects, serious procedural irregularities, or violations of public policy. Case-based examples helped contextualize these legal standards in real-world disputes.
Supporting Arbitration Practice in Rwanda and Beyond
The April 2025 online training delivered a clear and accessible overview of essential arbitration principles for both seasoned practitioners and newer entrants to the field. Its interactive design and diverse participant base created a dynamic learning environment.
AfGAC was pleased to provide this opportunity as part of its broader commitment to fostering sustainable arbitration ecosystems across Africa. Through knowledge-sharing, skill-building, and institutional collaboration, AfGAC continues to support the development of a robust arbitration culture in Rwanda and the region.