On 28 February 2024, we discussed “Current Arbitration Landscape in Africa: Through the Cases“, jointly organised with Broderick Bozimo & Company, and the Lagos Court of Arbitration. The speakers of this event were Isaiah Bozimo SAN (Broderick Bozimo & Company, Lagos), Jackwell Feris (Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Inc, Johannesburg), Samuel Mbiriri Nderitu (Mbiriri Ngugi & Co Advocates, Nairobi), and Esine Okudzeto (Sam Okudzeto & Associates, Accra), and the panel will be moderated by Daniel Ihueze (Broderick Bozimo & Company, Lagos).
You can download the slides used during the event here.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Isaiah Bozimo is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and has built a strong reputation in commercial arbitration and dispute resolution, championing its growth in Africa. As the former Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, he ushered in forward-thinking legal reforms, including the Delta State Arbitration Law of 2022. He was instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s current Arbitration and Mediation Act. Now a Partner at Broderick Bozimo & Company, Isaiah leverages his vast experience to represent a diverse clientele, from Government and State entities to corporations and individuals locally and globally. He has earned respect for effectively resolving both domestic and international commercial disputes. His portfolio is replete with involvement in prominent cases: a ₦1 billion claim with the Delta State Government, a ₦2 billion claim related to an international trade centre, and a $300 million gas supply dispute under ICC Arbitration. Recognised by Who’s Who Legal and the African Arbitration Academy, Isaiah is a Chartered Arbitrator and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb). He is a panel member for several esteemed arbitration centres, including the Singapore International Arbitration Centre, the Arbitration Foundation for Southern Africa, the Lagos Court of Arbitration, and the Kigali International Arbitration Centre. His contribution to the field extends to insightful publications. Notably, he has contributed to the CIArb Guidance Note on Remote Dispute Resolution Proceedings, the Delos Guide to Arbitration Places, and the New York Convention Guide. Isaiah remains a driving force in discussions surrounding effective commercial dispute resolution in Africa.
Jackwell Feris is a Director in Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Inc’s Dispute Resolution Practice and the Sector Head: Industrials, Manufacturing & Trade. Jackwell has over 15 years’ experience in the Oil & Gas, Mining & Minerals, Energy & Power, Infrastructure & Transport, Government & State-Owned Sectors having represented governments, state-owned entities and private commercial parties and investors in complex disputes providing dispute prevention, dispute avoidance and dispute resolution services and providing advisory work on projects and/or transactional matters. For more details on his experience and the type of case he has been involved in visit https://www.cliffedekkerhofmeyr.com/en/people/jackwell-feris.html Jackwell is an active member of the African arbitration fraternity and contributes to the enhancement and capacity building of arbitration in Africa – with a special focus on international investment arbitration.
Daniel Ihueze is a highly experienced and dedicated professional known for his meticulous approach to each case he handles. With a diverse background in litigation, he has successfully assisted clients in various areas, including breach of contract, construction, data security, administrative law, and matrimonial causes. Daniel holds the position of Senior Associate and Head of Chambers at the law firm, Broderick Bozimo and Company. He is an Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) and serves as a co-chair of the Lagos Court of Arbitration Young Arbitrators Network (LCA-YAN). With eight years of post-qualification experience as a Barrister and Solicitor in Nigeria, Daniel brings a wealth of expertise to every team he belongs to. Daniel’s notable expertise lies in arbitration, where he has amassed extensive experience. He has undergone training with prestigious institutions such as the ICC, Foundation for International Arbitration Advocacy (FIAA), HK45/PWC, Institute of Transnational Arbitration (ITA), and is currently pursuing a master’s program in dispute resolution at Queen Mary University. Additionally, he has actively participated as counsel, representing state governments, companies, and individuals in arbitral tribunal proceedings and enforcement procedures before the court. In every case, Daniel’s foremost goal is to secure the best and most efficient outcomes for his clients. He demonstrates skill in navigating the complexities of legal disputes, proficiently securing amicable and advantageous settlements, or managing cases through trial and appeal. As a collaborative team player, Daniel places high value on cooperation and approaches each situation with an open mind, always prioritizing his clients’ interests. With his extensive experience, unwavering dedication, and precision in legal matters, Daniel stands as an invaluable asset to clients seeking effective representation and strategic guidance.
Samuel Mbiriri Nderitu is a distinguished figure in the legal arena, recognized for his exemplary contributions and achievements: He was honored as the ADR Practitioner of the Year 2023 by the Law Society of Kenya during the Nairobi Legal Awards, where he earned the prestigious title as the 1st Runner-up. With a Bachelor of Laws Degree from Makerere University, Uganda, Samuel is an esteemed advocate in the Kenyan Bar. His expertise extends to both domestic and international commercial arbitration, with diplomas earned from the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) in London, among other notable qualifications. Samuel Mbiriri Nderitu is renowned for his prowess as an arbitrator, mediator, conciliator, and commercial litigator. He holds the right of audience in esteemed institutions such as the Astana International Financial Centre Court (AIFC Court) and the International Arbitration Centre (IAC) in Kazakhstan. As a tutor and examiner of Mediation and Arbitration under CIArb, London, Samuel contributes significantly to the education and training of future practitioners in alternative dispute resolution. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) in London and a Fellow of the Malaysian Institute of Arbitrators (FMIArb). Additionally, he has served as the past Chair of CIArb (Kenya Branch), demonstrating his commitment to advancing the field of arbitration. Samuel is accredited as a mediator by CIArb, London, The Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration, and the Mediation Accreditation Committee (MAC) of the Judiciary in Kenya. He is also listed on the panel of Arbitrators and Mediators at the Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration, CIArb Kenya, and the China Maritime Arbitration Commission. His leadership extends to various boards and committees, including the Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration (NCIA) and the National Committee, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Kenya. Samuel also serves as a Board member for the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, CIArb Kenya Branch, and is an Advisory Board member for ODR Africa Network and Musaliha International Center for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution (MICADR), Pakistan. He is also a member of LSK CPD Committee and Chair the Speakers and Sessions Chairs sub-committee. He actively participates in the legal community as a member of the LSK CPD Committee and chairs the Speakers and Sessions Chairs sub-committee, illustrating his dedication to professional development within the legal field.
Esine Okudzeto is the Deputy Managing Partner at Sam Okudzeto & Associates and she heads the firm’s Corporate/ Commercial law group. Her focus is on Mergers and Acquisitions, Capital Markets, Oil and Gas law, Corporate law, Commercial law, Intellectual property and Arbitration. Esine has performed due diligence for several international clients advising her clients on mergers and acquisitions and the formation of Joint Ventures in Ghana. Esine played a leading role in a Fortune 500 company’s acquisition of Unilever Plc’s oil palm business in Ghana. Esine was also the lead transactional advisor for the creation of a joint venture that set up a cargo hub, warehouse and handling services at the Kotoka International Airport. In the aforementioned transactions, Esine was instrumental in the incorporation of companies, the negotiation and drafting of licensing agreements, the drafting of shareholders agreements, the drafting of leases and company regulations, the registration of trademarks, the registration of leases, as well as providing legal advice on tax and labor issues. Esine acts as an independent arbitrator and arbitration counsel and has a number of clients before arbitration tribunals. Esine is a board member of Sena Chartered Secretaries Ltd, the firm’s affilate company that specializes in company secretarial and investment consultancy. Esine serves as a corporate secretary for various clients, where she attends board meetings and advises companies on their corporate responsibilities and powers. She also helps corporations with filing relevant documents in compliance with the Company’s Act of Ghana. Esine is also a Board member of the Benso Oil Palm Plaintation Ltd, Conship and she teaches as an adjunct lecturer in Advocacy and Legal Ethics at the Ghana School of Law.
