From 23 to 26 September 2024, CRCICA, in partnership with the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce and the LawCom Institute (Germany), embarked on a series of high-level meetings in Cairo to introduce and discuss the African-German Arbitration Cooperation (AfGAC) project. This initiative is designed to strengthen arbitration ties between Africa and Germany, fostering collaboration, awareness, and the advancement of international dispute resolution.
A joint delegation from Hamburg and CRCICA led these discussions, with CRCICA represented by Judge Hany Georgy Abdelmalek and Mr. Karim A. El-Rouby, while the Hamburg team included Dr. Jan Curschmann, Judge Friedrich-Joachim Mehmel, Mr. Christian Graf, Ms. Linnéa Harting, and Mr. John Nyanje. Together, they engaged with state officials, judicial institutions, the legal community, academic institutions, diplomatic missions, the business sector, and foreign development agencies to introduce the AfGAC project and explore potential areas of cooperation.
Throughout the visit, the delegation had the privilege of meeting with prominent figures and institutions, including H.E. Judge Adnan Elfangary, Minister of Justice (Egypt), Judge Moustafa Elbahabety, Assistant Minister of Justice for Arbitration and International Disputes, and Judge Mohamed Nassr, President of the Cairo Court of Appeal. They also engaged in discussions with the National Center for Judicial Studies, the Egyptian Bar Association, the German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo University Faculty of Law, AMERELLER Law Firm, the German Embassy in Cairo, the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Egypt), and GIZ Egypt.
The meetings played a crucial role in raising awareness about the AfGAC project, as well as laying the groundwork for future cooperation aimed at advancing arbitration across Africa. The project is committed to enhancing the visibility and accessibility of arbitration across the region, ensuring that businesses and investors have access to efficient, neutral, and effective dispute resolution mechanisms. Beyond its contribution to the development of international arbitration, AfGAC is designed to promote economic growth by providing structured forums for resolving disputes in cross-border business and investment matters between African and German parties.
As a key partner in the AfGAC project, CRCICA joins forces with the Kigali International Arbitration Centre (KIAC), the Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration (NCIA), and the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce to strengthen arbitration as a trusted dispute resolution mechanism in Africa and beyond.
CRCICA extends its deepest appreciation to the distinguished personalities and institutions that welcomed and supported this initiative. Their valuable contributions and commitment to meaningful dialogue have played a significant role in ensuring the success and long-term development of the AfGAC project.
With its strong partnerships with KIAC, NCIA, the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, and the LawCom Institute, CRCICA remains dedicated to shaping the future of arbitration in Africa and internationally, fostering an environment of collaboration, legal excellence, and economic progress.
