AfricArbitration

Episode 4 is about one of the most important on-going developments in international arbitration, it focuses on the rules amendment of the Convention on the International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). Larry Shore and I talk about some of the proposals in the ICSID Rules Amendment, particularly those that I found to be relevant for the African context. Larry shares from his wealth of experience from representing clients before ICSID tribunals. Guest: Laurence Shore, Partner in the International Arbitration department, BonelliErede Music: Ellias Fullmore; Editing: Leyou Tameru; Host: Leyou Tameru

Episode 3 is double the fun as we have a double interview episode with discussions delving into the world of technology and law. In Addis Ababa, I talked to Rashida Abdulai about the potential of technology in the legal field, Artificial Intelligence etc… In Arusha, I talked to Madeline Kimei about Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) and the impact of technology on how and where arbitration disputes will be held in the future. Guests: Rasheeda Abdullai, Chief Executive Officer, Strand Sahara. She previously practiced International Arbitration at Hogan Lovells. Madeline Kimei, Founder, iResolve. She is a practicing lawyer in Tanzania and represents clients on different matters including arbitration. Music: Ellias Fullmore; Editing: Tinsae Teferi; Host: Leyou Tameru  

In Episode 2 of this season we are talking African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement which came into force on the 30th of May! I speak with Dr. Joy Kategekwa  as she provides a bird’s eye view of the intricacies of trade, commerce, disputes and arbitration in relation to the AfCFTA and the existing Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in Africa. It’s a complicated space but her invaluable insight helps!  Guest: Dr. Joy Kategekwa, Head of UNCTAD Regional Office for Africa in Ethiopia Music: Ellias Fullmore; Editing: Leyou Tameru, Tinsae Teferi; Host: Leyou Tameru

We're back with Season 2 and taking you to Mozambique! My guest, Pedro Couto, gives us a lot of great insight on the on-going amendment of Mozambique’s arbitration act, challenges facing arbitration in the country, capacity, legal infrastructure and recent developments towards the harmonization of the different legal instruments and shift of government attitude on arbitration. It’s so good it’s almost like a crash course! Guest: Pedro Couto, Chairman of Couto, Graça & Associados (CGA) in Mozambique   Music: Ellias Fullmore; Editing: Tinsae Teferi; Host: Leyou Tameru

It’s World Cup time which means it is the best time to explore world of sports arbitration! My guest, John Ohaga, gives us the rundown about sports arbitration, how it works, what it looks like in Kenya and other countries and the challenges in the field for the users as well as the service providers. Guest: John Ohaga, Managing Partner at TRIPLEOKLAW Advocates in Kenya & Chairman of the Kenya Sports Disputes Tribunal Host: Leyou Tameru; Editing: Beruk Mengestu, Leyou Tameru; Music: Ellias Fullmore  

Welcome to our episode about the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. My guest co-host Loic Samuel Youth and I interview Prudence Sebahizi, the man responsible for the African Continental Free Trade Agreement at the African Union. He tells us about the project, what it means for the continent and the dispute resolution mechanisms envisaged. This is a shared episode with the Citizens and Diaspora Directorate at the African Union and their podcast “AU on the Go”, Enjoy! Guest: Prudence Sebahizi, Chief Technical Adviser on the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, African Union Host: Leyou Tameru; co-host: Loic Samuel Youth Editing: Beruk Mengestu, Leyou Tameru; Music: Ellias Fullmore

In this dialogue with the first woman Legal Counsel of the African Union, we learn more about her role, her work in creating more opportunities for African counsel on the continent, lessons to be learned from African countries regarding representation in arbitration, whether or not we will have an African investment court and so much more. Tune in and be inspired! Guest: Amb. Dr. Namira Negm, Legal Counsel, African Union Host: Leyou Tameru; Editing: Beruk Mengestu, Leyou Tameru; Music: Ellias Fullmore

For this episode we have an enlightening dialogue of leading African arbitrators. Hailing from Nigeria and Kenya, the panel of arbitrators discuss issues related to setting fees, meddling by parties and courts, how to get appointments, being an arbitrator in the age of social media, corruption and bribery and so many intriguing topics. Did I mention that it is an ALL WOMEN panel? Here is more information about my guests: Wairimu Karanja is the founding partner at Envantage Law in Kenya. Njeri Kariuki is an arbitrator based in Kenya. Adedoyin Rhodes-Vivour is an arbitrator and the managing partner at Doyin Rhodes-Vivour & Co. in Nigeria. Eunice Lumallas is an arbitrator and a partner at Lumallas, Achieng & Kavere in Kenya.  Hosted by Leyou Tameru; Music by Ellias Fullmore; Editing by Beruk Mengestu

Episode 3 explores a topic that is relevant to absolutely everyone in international arbitration, and it's all about MONEY! Yes, money is necessary to conduct an arbitration case and it is also very important in the end as parties look to enforce the award. My guests, Hannah Van Roessel and Juriaan Braat discuss their experiences in working on arbitration cases as third party funders as well as enforcing awards with a focus on African parties. More information about my guests: Jurriaan Braat is Managing Director at Omni Bridgeway based in Switzerland and Hannah Van Roessel is Director and Senior Legal Counsel at Omni Bridgeway based in Netherlands. Hosted by Leyou Tameru; Music by Ellias Fullmore; Editing by Beruk Mengestu

Episode 2 is a riveting interview with Professor Won Kidane about culture in international. arbitration. We discuss the impact of the nationality of parties, counsel, arbitrators and laws on the proceedings and outcome of the case. We also discuss practical issues concerning diversity, especially in investment arbitration cases, and how to make international arbitration more inclusive, and so much more. More information about Prof Kidane: Prof Won Kidane is an associated professor as the Seattle University School of Law and a Principal Addis Law Group LLP, a boutique international arbitration firm. He is the author of the book “The Culture of International Arbitration”. Production: Hosted by Leyou Tameru; Music by Ellias Fullmore; Editing by Beruk Mengestu