An introduction to arbitration in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is an arbitration-friendly country which has made significant steps to position itself as an emerging leader in the world of international arbitration and dispute resolution. On the 13th September 1996, Zimbabwe promulgated the Arbitration Act [Chapter 7:15] which gives effect to both domestic and international arbitration.

Prince Kanokanga, ‘25 Years of UNCITRAL Model Law in Zimbabwe’ (2022) University of Zimbabwe Students Law Review 147 – 187 set out the history of arbitration in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwean Arbitration Act [Chapter 7:15] applies with modifications the 1985 UNCITRAL Model Law. It also gave effect to the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (“New York Convention”).

Zimbabwe is regarded as having some of the world’s leading reported decisions on the UNCITRAL Model Law in Africa. see Quentin Tannock, ‘Public Policy as a Ground for Setting Aside an Award: Is Zimbabwe out of Step?’ (2015) 74 Arbitration: The International Journal of Arbitration: Mediation and Dispute Management 72, 74.

Some of the leading arbitration institutions in Zimbabwe include the following: Alternative Dispute Solutions Centre (“ADSC”), the African Institute of Mediation and Arbitration (“AIMA”) and the Commercial Arbitration Centre (“CAC”). Recently, the Government of Zimbabwe established the Victoria Falls International Arbitration Centre which makes the country more attractive to international businesses and investors.