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The Victoria Falls International Arbitration Centre

The Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe on 31 March 2026 statutorily established the Victoria Falls International Arbitration Centre within the Victoria Falls International Financial Services Centre which provides a legal and regulatory framework for economic development.

The establishment of the Victoria Falls International Arbitration Centre by the Government of Zimbabwe on 31 March 2026 reflects economic growth and reform and the ease of doing business. It also aids Zimbabwe’s goal to become Sub-Saharan Africa’s gateway for global finance and to connect global capital with investment opportunities in Zimbabwe.

The Victoria Falls International Arbitration Centre was established in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe through section 5(1) of the Banking (Victoria Falls International Financial Services Centre) (Arbitration) Regulations, 2026 (“the Regulations”). It is located within the Special Economic Zone (“SEZ”) known as Masuwe, Victoria Falls.

The Regulations govern all arbitral proceedings which apply within the Victoria Falls International Financial Services Centre (“VFIFSC”) which is also known as the international financial services centre. The Regulations also complement the Banking (Victoria Falls International Financial Services Centre) General Regulations, 2025.

The Regulations which apply to all disputes which may arise within the jurisdiction of the international financial services centre are divided into forty-five (45) sections and contained in nine (9) parts.

• Part I of the Regulations deals with preliminary issues. It contains section 1 to 4 which cover the title, interpretation, application and general principles of the Regulations.

• Part II of the Regulations contains sections 5 to 9 which cover the establishment and functions of the Arbitration Centre, the Registrar of the Arbitration Centre, the database of arbitrators, exemption from liability. Part II of the Regulations also deals with the rules, practice directions and practice guides.

• Part III of the Regulations contains sections 10 to 13 which provisions deal with the preliminary arbitral process, receipt of written communications, waiver of right to object and the extent of Tribunal intervention.

• Part IV of the Regulations contains sections 14 to 17 which provisions deal with the form of an arbitration agreement, the arbitration agreement and substantive claim before a Tribunal, interim measures and confidentiality.

• Part V of the Regulations deals with the composition of the arbitral tribunal. It contains sections 18 to 24 which deal with inter alia, the number of arbitrators, the appointment of arbitrators, the grounds for challenging the appointment of arbitrators, the procedure for challenging an arbitrator, an arbitral tribunal’s failure or impossibility to act, the appointment of a substitute arbitrator and liability of an arbitral tribunal.

• Part VI of the Regulations deals with the jurisdiction of the arbitral tribunal and contains sections 25 to 26 which provisions deal with the principle of competence of the arbitral tribunal to rule on its own jurisdiction and the power of an arbitral tribunal to order interim measures.

• Part VI of the Regulations is the longest part of the Regulations. It deals with the conduct of the arbitral proceedings. Sections 27 to 36 of the Regulations deal with the issue of equal treatment of parties, the determination of rules of procedure, the seat of arbitration, the commencement of the arbitral proceedings, the language of the proceedings. It also covers the filing of the statement of claim and defence and issues to do with hearings and written proceedings. Furthermore, the issue of default, experts appointed by the arbitral tribunal and court assistance in taking evidence is dealt with in Part VI of the Regulations.

• Part VIII of the Regulations is concerned with the making of the award and the termination of the proceedings. Sections 37 to 42 deal with the rules applicable to the substance of the dispute, the decision making by the arbitral tribunal and issues of settlement. It also provides for the form and contents of arbitral awards, the termination of the proceedings and the correction and interpretation of awards or additional awards.

• Part IX of the Regulations is concerned with recourse against arbitral awards. Part IX of the Regulations is the shortest which contains section 43 which deals with the application for setting aside arbitral awards and deals with the issue of appeals.

• Part X of the Regulations is concerned with recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards. Sections 44 and 45 of the Regulations deal with the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards rendered by an arbitral tribunal within the framework of the Victoria Falls International Arbitration Centre and the grounds for refusing recognition or enforcement.

The Secretariat of the VFIAC

The Secretariat of the Victoria Falls International Arbitration Centre (“VFIAC”) is composed of the Registrar and Deputy Registrar who direct the Secretariat, which manages VFIAC’s administrative activities.

The seat of VFIAC Arbitration

The seat of all VFIAC Arbitration is Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

The language of VFIAC Arbitration

The language used in the arbitral proceedings is English. Additionally, the VIFIFSC is not subject to commercial law nor do the courts of Zimbabwe have jurisdiction, unless specifically stated in the rules and regulations.