Dispute resolution to take centre stage at AFSA Johannesburg Arbitration Week 2026

On a global scale, dispute resolution has become the go-to solution for resolving commercial disputes speedily, confidentially and more effectively across various industry sectors, including mining, infrastructure, energy and financial services.

Traditional litigation often proves costly and relationship-straining. Across industries, forward-thinking organisations are turning to arbitration and mediation, proven dispute resolution tools that safeguard both business interests and professional relationships. Worldwide dispute resolution is the modern way to resolve commercial disputes quickly, confidentially, and more effectively.

The 2026 Johannesburg Arbitration Week (JAW), hosted by the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA) and co-hosts in May next year, will create a forum for high-level dialogue, fostering confidence in efficient dispute-resolution.

"JAW is a transformative forum where not only lawyers but mining executives, infrastructure developers, energy experts, financial service leaders, policymakers and investors will converge to shape the future of dispute resolution in Africa," says AFSA CEO Andile Nikani.

With more African states adopting pro-arbitration legislative measures, he highlights, the shared objective is to build confidence through efficient dispute-resolution processes that support Africa's critical sectors and sustainable development ambitions.

Why Attend JAW 2026?
"Our goal with JAW 2026 is to bring together all these diverse stakeholders from the continent's most critical economic sectors to engage with dispute resolution practices that speak directly to their unique challenges and opportunities.

"By tailoring sessions to key industries, we ensure that dialogue is relevant, practical and that it will, after the conclusion of JAW 2026, drive sectoral progress," Nikani notes, adding that the inaugural conference of 2024 has already brought significant changes to how arbitration is viewed and used on the continent.

Attendees can further look forward to engaging with leading international and regional arbitrators, industry experts, government officials, investors, developers and corporate leaders, forging partnerships that transcend traditional boundaries.

In 2026, JAW will also embrace discussions on trends across sectors to craft a robust dispute resolution framework that underpins sustainable development and regional integration.

Who Should Attend?
JAW 2026 is open to an inclusive and diverse audience that goes well beyond traditional legal professionals and looks forward to welcoming C-suite decision makers, infrastructure and construction developers and financiers, renewable energy companies, experts and innovators, mining and natural resource sector executives and project managers, financial institutions and service leaders, insurance providers and investment firms, government officials and more.

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About AFSA JAW
Johannesburg Arbitration Week (JAW) 2026 is a flagship initiative that positions South Africa as a leading arbitration hub on the African continent and a key player in the international dispute resolution arena.

The Johannesburg Arbitration Week (JAW) explores key initiatives shaping dispute resolution, with a particular focus on Africa's growing role in this field.

Hosted by the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA) and Co-Hosts, the event brings together local and international business leaders, government officials, senior executives, arbitrators, legal experts and business innovators to discuss important developments, build networks, create new alliances and champion dispute resolution as a cornerstone of Africa's economic success.

This release was published on openPR.