KIAC
Our institution
Kigali International Arbitration Centre (KIAC) is the premier arbitral institution in Rwanda legally established in 2010 and officially launched in May 2012 as an autonomous and non- profit-making institution mandated to provide institutional infrastructure for administering arbitration, Mediation and other ADR Services. The establishment of KIAC was an initiative of the Rwanda’s Private Sector politically supported by the Government of Rwanda given the Centre’s contribution to the Government of Rwanda’s investment and business climate reforms. KIAC’s mandate is to help economic operators to resolve their disputes amicably and promote the use of international Arbitration as an integral part of good business practice in the region. The Centre offers arbitration services, alongside mediation and adjudication
The KIAC core business is summarized in four components namely Providing Disputes resolution services through arbitration and other ADR services; Promoting ADR through public education, publication and research in ADR; Providing Training and accreditation in ADR and Promoting Rwanda as one of the safest venues for International arbitration.
Since 2017 to date, the annual caseload ranges between 25 and 30 arbitration cases while in thirteen years of operations KIAC has registered 260 complex and high-value arbitration cases. This is a big milestone compared to other newly established Centers around the World where it takes between 3-5 years to register the first arbitration case. Out of the total registered cases nearly 40% are international cases with participation from 25 different countries notably, Barbados, Burundi, China, Congo, Ethiopia, Egypt, France, India, Italy, Kenya, Korea, Luxemburg, Mauritius, Pakistan, Rwanda, South Africa, South Korea, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Tanzania, Turkey, Uganda, USA, Zambia.
Our services
- KIAC Coordinates and monitors dispute resolution proceedings through its Modern set of Arbitration Rules which are inspired by the UNCITRAL Model Law.
Find out more - KIAC’S scheduled of costs has been designed to make the Centre’s Arbitration services affordable by any person who may choose to use Arbitration as the mode of dispute settlement in commercial matters.
Find out more - KIAC boasts of a worldwide panel of highly experienced and credible international and domestic arbitrators from diverse fields of expertise.
Find out more - KIAC provides assistance in appointing arbitrators for disputing parties, upon request.
- KIAC Secretariat takes pride in offering diversified and cost-effective service in a fully equipped state-of-the art arbitration, adjudication and mediation hearing facilities.
- KIAC offers scrutiny of draft arbitral awards.
- Upon request, KIAC offers administrative, logistical, technical and secretarial support as well as catering services to Clients during ad hoc ADR Proceedings.
- KIAC has highly efficient case management system operated by responsive and technically knowledgeable bilingual staff (English and French).
- In order to avoid pathological clauses during Arbitral proceedings, KIAC has proposed model clauses that can be considered in commercial contracts drafting;
Find out more - KIAC administer mediation disputes under KIAC Mediation Rules. The Rules define the procedures for mediation, Appointment and Replacement of the Mediator, as well as the required conduct for mediators, like neutrality and confidentiality among others. This restores confidence in the parties. The Centre administers also Adjudication disputes referred to it by disputant parties.
- KIAC provides arbitration and mediation skills development programs leading to accreditation by Internationally recognized ADR institutions.
Our Governing Structures
The Centre has a governance Board of Directors (BoD) comprised of seven (7) members appointed by the Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation (PSF) from professional associations and international members with knowledge and practice in international arbitration and in different legal systems. Currently the Board of Directors is made of Dr. Alexis Nsengumuremyi (Chairperson) from the Rwanda’s Business Community, Ms. Mackline Ingabire from the Rwanda’s legal sector, Dr. Bernd EHLE from LALIVE Switzerland Office, Mr. Stephen Ruzibia (Lawyer and CEO of the Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation), Mrs. Olusola Adegbonmire from Arbitration community in Nigeria, Mrs. Nakasamba Banda Chanda (chairperson of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators/Zambia) and Mr. Jean Baptiste Uwizeyimana (lawyer from Rwanda).
For the day-to-day management, the Centre has a Secretariat led by the Secretary General appointed by the Board of Directors, with the support management and operational team. KIAC has also an Advisory Committee.
Our Arbitration Rules
KIAC administers cases under KIAC Arbitration Rules (The Rules) that are inspired by the UNCITRAL Model Law & Rules. KIAC Arbitration Rules are a modern set of rules which not only support maximum party autonomy but are also consistent with international best practices. They cover all aspects of the arbitral proceedings while ensuring that arbitrations remain cost-efficient.
The Rules are comprehensive enough, sufficiently flexible and well detailed to administer arbitrations claims.
The Rules are short and simple for use in any type of procedure and are translated into two international languages and proceedings can be conducted in French or English.
Clients of arbitration services under The Rules benefit from process’s flexibility and effectiveness as long as Parties and their legal counsel have agreed to use the Rules.
Our Mediation Rules and other
KIAC administer mediation disputes under KIAC Mediation Rules. Mediation under KIAC is practiced by accredited professional mediators under KIAC Mediation Rules. The Rules define the procedures for mediation, Appointment and Replacement of the Mediator, as well as the required conduct for mediators, like neutrality and confidentiality among others. This restores confidence in the parties.
Our AfGAC Commitment
The Kigali International Arbitration Centre (KIAC), being one of the leading arbitral institutions in Africa is pleased to work with other African and German partners through the AfGAC framework that has been launched in March 2024 with the aim of creating a more visible and credible environment for International arbitration in Africa and enhancing international business opportunities on the Continent.
Victor Mugabe, Secretary General of KIAC
Our Facilities
KIAC Secretariat takes pride in offering diversified and cost-effective service in a fully equipped state-of-the art arbitration hearing facilities.
KIAC has two arbitration hearing rooms and one mediation room, as well three break out rooms for arbitration and mediation sessions. The Centre has also a modern Video Conferencing facility that enables virtual arbitration and mediation proceedings. Upon request, KIAC offers logistical support, secretarial and catering services to Clients during ADR Proceedings.
KIAC has a library that contains quite a good number of documentations on Commercial arbitration in different jurisdictions.
Since December 2022, KIAC has entered into collaboration with Jus Mundi relating to the publication of KIAC work including the awards’ publication and other relevant information on KIAC.
Find out more
A conference room with a U-shaped wooden table with microphones and black chairs, as well as two screens on the wall.
Bright conference room with round wooden table and black chairs in Kigali
Contact
KIAC Secretariat is located in the City of Kigali / Rwanda at:
Nyarutarama, KG 9 Avenue, No. 66
PO BOX 695 KIGALI RWANDA