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The EAIAC Committee, in partnership with GBS Africa, I-ARB Africa and W&Co|Law+Policy, are delighted to bring to Kenya the 7th Edition of the East Africa International Arbitration Conference (EAIAC).

This year’s theme is ‘Government Contracting and Investment Disputes: Lessons for States and Investors‘. The conference will explore the full spectrum of government contracting from procurement and PPPs (public private partnerships), tender disputes, dispute mitigation in government contracts, investment arbitration and arbitrating with governments in African centres.

Kenya is a fitting venue for EAIAC 2019. The country has experienced a surge in government contracting over the recent past, boosted by its long-term development blue-print, Vision 2030 and its mid-term (five year) development plan,  the Big Four Agenda. In 2018, the Kenya government successfully defended 2 high profile investment arbitrations: an ICC arbitration relating to the power sector; and an ICSID arbitration in the mining sector.

Across the borders, various African countries have in place blueprints to be mid-level economies by the first half of this century. There is focus across the continent on investment in renewable energy, sustainable development, agriculture, healthcare, and education. How can governments and investors better contract? Disputes are expensive, even for the winner –can they be mitigated? Can damages be better assessed and recovered? Do African international arbitration centres and practitioners have a place in investment arbitration? We will answer these questions at EAIAC 2019. History & Vision of EAIAC.