As Africa continues its trajectory toward becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing regions, rapid advancements in energy, infrastructure, and digital technologies are shaping the continent’s transformation. These sectors are driving economic growth, attracting investment, and redefining how African states, investors, and businesses engage within the global marketplace.
Against this backdrop, ALN was proud to sponsor Africa Day at Dubai Arbitration Week 2025, in partnership with Africa Construction Law, the Commercial Bar Association (COMBAR), and the SOAS Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Centre.
Held on Thursday, 13 November 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (GST), Africa Day convened leading practitioners, industry experts, and policymakers to explore the theme: “Arbitration & Africa’s Growth Sectors: Shaping the Future of Energy, Infrastructure, and Digital Transformation.”
The discussions examined how arbitration could catalyse Africa’s sustainable growth by enhancing investor confidence, mitigating cross-border risks, and supporting large-scale projects across key growth sectors.
“Africa’s growth story is unfolding across sectors that demand sophisticated and reliable dispute resolution mechanisms. Arbitration plays a pivotal role in promoting investor confidence and ensuring the continuity of transformative projects that power the continent’s development,” says Aisha Abdallah, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at ALN Kenya. “Africa Day provided an invaluable opportunity to exchange insights and strengthen collaboration among practitioners committed to advancing arbitration across the continent.”
Echoing this, Orphee Haddad, Head of Disputes at ADNA (ALN firm in Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Morocco) noted: “The continent’s energy transition, digital acceleration, and infrastructure expansion bring immense opportunity—but also new complexities. Arbitration, when effectively harnessed, can serve as a bridge between investors, governments, and communities, helping align Africa’s growth with global standards of fairness and sustainability.”
ALN was represented by a multi-jurisdictional delegation from across the continent and the UAE, including:
- Orphee Haddad – Head of Disputes, ADNA
- Aisha Abdallah – Partner & Head of Dispute Resolution, ALN Kenya
- Luisa Cetina – Director, ALN Kenya
- Ngo-Martins Okonmah – Partner, ALN Nigeria
- Shemane Amin – Country Partner, ALN Tanzania
- Ken Phiri – Partner, ALN Zambia
- Natalia Mouzoula – Principal Associate, ALN UAE
Through their participation, ALN contributed to the evolving dialogue on Africa’s dispute resolution landscape and highlighted how arbitration continues to underpin investment, innovation, and sustainable development across the continent.
Africa Day offered attendees an important opportunity to connect with the ALN delegation and engage in conversations that helped shape the future of arbitration and growth in Africa.
