Accra: The 4th Kojo Bentsi-Enchill (KBE) Memorial Lecture has highlighted the growing importance of international arbitration in Africa and its role in boosting investor confidence and economic stability. The annual lecture is organised by leading law firm, Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa and Ankomah, in honour of its founding partner, Kojo Bentsi-Enchill.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event brought together legal experts, law students, and the public to discuss the future of cross-border commercial disputes as African economies become more integrated into global markets. Dr. Dominic Ayine, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, noted that as African economies integrate further into global markets, cross-border disputes are becoming commonplace.
Madam Funke Adekoya, a litigation consultant and arbitrator, urged African arbitration practitioners to elevate their expertise and build a reputation that instills confidence in the global market. She emphasized the need for the continent's legal professionals to combine technical competence with strategic networking to assert their position in international commercial disputes.
Madam Adekoya highlighted the significant opportunity presented by the rising tide of international trade and disputes for African practitioners. She pointed out that the most crucial area for growth is strengthening legal and procedural expertise, advising practitioners to deepen their knowledge of public and private international law, international investment law, and the framework of the New York Convention.
Furthermore, she urged participants to focus on legal areas frequently involved in African disputes, such as natural resources, energy, construction, and telecommunications. A strong command of international trade law regimes, including the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), is also vital.
Building a track record of excellence, according to Madam Adekoya, is key and can be achieved by starting as co-counsel alongside established international firms or by taking on complex domestic arbitrations that mirror the complexity of international disputes. She also recommended publishing summaries of notable awards or procedural decisions to enhance visibility.
Madam Adekoya called for continuous refinement of advocacy and case management skills, recommending enrollment in internationally recognised training programmes to align written and oral advocacy. She stressed the importance of active engagement with arbitration institutions and networks, such as the ICC Africa Commission, for building a strong professional network.
The lecture also featured panel discussions addressing key aspects of Africa's evolving legal landscape, including legal and regulatory reforms, judicial support and challenges, capacity building and skills transfer, and regional cooperation and knowledge sharing. The panellists included Ace Anan Ankomah, Senior Partner at Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa and Ankomah; Kizito Beyuo, Managing Partner at BEYUO and Co; Emmanuel Amofa, Managing Partner at Amofa Partners; and Nania Owusu-Ankomah, Partner at Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa and Ankomah.
The manner in which disputes are resolved will ultimately influence investor confidence and the credibility of the continent's legal systems. Well-managed disputes can strengthen the rule of law, attract investment, and ensure justice.
