Managing New Business Frontiers in Africa: The Role of Arbitration

Business opportunities in Africa are booming thanks to the resourcefulness of its young population. The African continent has been drawing fast-growing international attention from foreign companies all around the world for more than a decade, with a marked interest from the neighbouring Middle East in recent years. All industries are concerned, from construction, energy, mining, to pharma, IT, real estate and finance.

Penetrating a foreign market, however, presents considerable challenges. Whether the new venture takes the form of commercial contracts or foreign direct investments, a good grasp of the local landscape is key to ensure business success.

As part of the Paris Arbitration Week, Liedekerke has organised a conference on the 28 of March on the topic of "Managing New Business Frontiers in Africa: The Role of Arbitration".

In this event, a panel composed of in-house counsel and arbitral institutions’ representatives will discuss the role that arbitration and arbitration practitioners can play in providing stability and security to new business endeavours in Africa. The panellists will also share their knowledge and experiences of entering the market of various countries in Africa, and provide their insights on how the arbitration community can do better when assisting their clients with new business ventures.

The panel will feature:

Diamana Diawara, ICC Director for Africa at the ICC International Court of Arbitration

Karim Zein, Legal Counsel at Consolidated Contractors Company

Alma Forgó, Head of Litigation and Arbitration at Airbus SAS

Erik Christiaen, Head of Legal at ENGIE Energy Access

Bruno Hardy, Counsel in Liedekerke’s International Arbitration practice

The panel will be moderated by Aimery de Schoutheete, partner in Liedekerke’s International Arbitration practice and founder of the Kinshasa (DRC) and Kigali (Rwanda) offices of the Firm. Gabriele Ruscalla, Senior Associate in Liedekerke’s International Arbitration practice, will deliver the closing remarks.

At the end of the event, a light refreshment will be served. Please register below as spaces are limited!