In June 2025, AfGAC advanced its mission to strengthen arbitration capacity in Africa through two dynamic training sessions in Rwanda. In partnership with KIAC and HAC, legal practitioners, students, and judges came together to exchange expertise, build networks, and deepen their engagement with arbitration practice.
Strengthening Arbitration Capacity in Rwanda
In a significant step toward enhancing arbitration skills and knowledge across the continent, the African-German Arbitration Cooperation (AfGAC) hosted parallel training sessions in Rwanda – affirming its commitment to inclusive and impactful legal education through strong local and international partnerships.
In Huye, law students at the University of Rwanda were introduced to the foundations of arbitration. Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, participants explored key concepts in dispute resolution, gaining valuable insights into an area of growing importance for commercial practice and legal development in Africa.
Later in Kigali, Rwandan judges took part in a focused two-day training designed to enhance their understanding of arbitration proceedings and judicial roles in arbitration-related litigation. The training offered a platform for robust exchange on procedural standards, institutional frameworks, and comparative best practices.
Local and International Collaboration at the Core
These dual trainings were made possible through the leadership and support of the Kigali International Arbitration Centre (KIAC), AfGAC’s primary local partner in Rwanda. KIAC’s deep institutional knowledge and on-the-ground coordination – led by Dr. Pie Habimana, who served as the local counterpart for the training – ensured that the sessions were relevant, responsive, and well-attended.
AfGAC also gratefully acknowledges the contribution of the Hamburg Arbitration Circle e.V. (HAC), whose support enabled the participation of expert German trainers, Kathrin Asschenfeldt, Prof. Dr. Antje Baumann and Georg Lehmberg. Their international perspectives enriched the training with comparative analysis and real-world experience from established arbitration jurisdictions.
Expertise and Engagement from AfGAC Partners
Joining the training team were John Nyanje and Linnéa Harting of the LawCom.Institute, longstanding AfGAC collaborators and contributors to arbitration capacity-building across the continent. Their involvement underscored AfGAC’s commitment to practical engagement, peer mentorship, and long-term institutional growth through strategic partnerships.
A Vibrant and Growing Community of Practice
What resonated most during the training week was the participants’ enthusiasm, curiosity, and openness to dialogue. Whether in Huye or Kigali, students and judges alike demonstrated a clear appetite for deepening their engagement with arbitration and shaping its future within Rwanda’s legal landscape.
These trainings reaffirm AfGAC’s guiding belief: that sustainable arbitration ecosystems are built by empowering people – by sharing knowledge, developing skills, and fostering mutual trust across borders. The strong engagement in this initiative reflects a growing continental momentum that AfGAC is proud to be part of it.
