On the morning of November 27, 2025, the Asia-Pacific International Arbitration Court (APIAC) held a three-party signing ceremony in Singapore, formally with the Kenyan Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (CIARB) Kenya) and the African Arbitration Association (FFAA) sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU)
Professor Wyne Mutuma, Chairman of CIARB Kenya, attended the ceremony in person; Mrs. Njeri Kariuki, Vice Chairman of AFAA, and Mr. Herman Omoti, a member of the AFAA Board of Directors; Ms. Yvonne Chai, the Consulate General of the Consulate General of Kenya in Singapore; Mr. Ma Zhanjun, Co-Chairman of Apaik; Associate Professor Asad Khalil, Associate Chairman of Asad Khalil; Ms. Zhang Li, Executive Director; Mr. Mo Kathy, Director of the International Development Center (Singapore), and Ms. Shao Zhuoying, Chief Representative of Singapore. In addition, the African arbitration representatives Steven Oundo, David Njoroge and Kariuki Muigua attended the signing ceremony online to witness this moment together.
The signing of this memorandum of understanding marks an important step in strengthening institutional development, professional exchanges and cross-regional cooperation between the Asia-Pacific and African arbitration circles. According to the Memorandum of Understanding, the three parties will establish a long-term, equal and pragmatic strategic partnership in various fields, and the scope of cooperation should be broad, including but not limited to the annual international arbitration forum for joint organizations, the development of collaborative training and capacity-building plans, the publication of joint research and academic achievements, and promote Cross-regional recognition and appointment of arbitrators.
Among them, the most significant result during the signing of this memorandum of understanding is that the APIAC will be established in CIARB Kenya (Firms Tower, Mezzanine 1, Upper Mountain, Nairobi) to establish the APIAC Africa Office. The two institutions will share office facilities and key resources, including the support and arbitrators of the arbitration secretary. This development means that disputes arising from investments by companies from countries outside Africa will be handled locally in a more convenient and efficient manner, providing a new and powerful way to resolve cross-border investment disputes.
Mr. Ma pointed out that this cooperation will not only further expand the international influence of the three arbitration institutions, but also provide AISA-African enterprises with more diversified and high-quality cross-border dispute resolution solutions, thereby making a strong contribution to the development and connection of global ADRs. ecosystem.
After the signing ceremony, the two parties officially exchanged the arbitrator’s appointment letter. This exchange has laid a solid foundation for future deeper cooperation in coordination, expert advice and cross-regional arbitration practices.
