4th KBE Memorial Lecture spotlights Arbitration as key to Africa’s Investment future

Stakeholders and speakers at the 4th Kojo Bentsi-Enchill Memorial Lecture spotlighted the rising significance of international arbitration in Africa, stressing its potential to boost investor confidence and foster economic stability as the continent deepens global trade integration.

The annual lecture, hosted by Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah in honour of its founding partner, convened legal minds, students, and the public for dialogue on Africa’s dispute resolution future. 

Delivering the opening remarks, Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine observed that cross-border disputes are “no longer unusual but are becoming commonplace” amid expanding trade.

Keynote speaker Madam Funke Adekoya, litigation consultant and arbitrator, urged African practitioners to deliberately cultivate expertise, credibility, and visibility in the global arbitration space. She noted that Africa’s growing participation in international trade brings with it complex disputes, presenting opportunities for skilled arbitrators to step forward.

She advised lawyers to:

Deepen knowledge of international law, the New York Convention, and AfCFTA trade regimes.

Focus on high-dispute sectors such as energy, resources, construction, and telecoms.

Gain experience through co-counsel roles, complex domestic arbitrations, and publishing summaries of awards.

Pursue internationally recognised training and participate in global networks like the ICC Africa Commission.

Madam Adekoya also raised concerns about the lack of diversity in global arbitration, warning it undermines the legitimacy of dispute resolution systems.

A panel featuring Ace Anan Ankomah, Kizito Beyuo, Emmanuel Amofa, and Nania Owusu-Ankomah explored themes of legal reform, judicial support, skills transfer, and regional cooperation. Panelists emphasised that Africa’s ability to resolve disputes efficiently will be central to investor trust, rule of law, and the credibility of legal institutions.