New York Convention Roadshow in Lusaka, Zambia

Report written by Lise Bosman and Azul Martina Navarro

Nearly 30 judges from different divisions of the High Court in Lusaka gathered on 24 February 2026 in Lusaka for a New York Convention Roadshow jointly organized by ICCA and the Lusaka International Arbitration Centre (LIAC), with the support of Ciarb Zambia.

The Roadshow was opened by Hon. Jus. P. K. (Pixie) Yangailo, Judge of the High Court of Zambia and Chairperson of the Advisory Committee on training and continuing education at the Judicial Training Programme on Alternative Dispute Resolution for High Court Judges, who noted that

The Judiciary plays a pivotal role in the promotion and oversight of ADR mechanisms in Zambia. As a jurisdiction that has adopted the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration, Zambia must ensure that its judicial practices remain aligned with international best standards. Our courts are central to the proper functioning of arbitration, not as competitors to arbitral tribunals, but as facilitators, supervisors, and guardians of due process.

Mr. Chabuka Kawesha, Chairperson of LIAC welcomed participates on behalf of LIAC, and an introduction to ICCA and its judicial outreach activities was delivered by Prof. Lise Bosman, ICCA Executive Director.

Ms. Balla Galma Godana, PCA Legal Counsel and Representative in Mauritius, then provided an introduction to international arbitration and the role of national courts. Prof. Bosman followed with an overview of the New York Convention, leading into former Judge of the Supreme Court of Zambia, Rtd. Hon. Jus. Charles Kajimanga’s session on the legal framework for the enforcement of arbitral awards in Zambia. 

For the remainder of the Roadshow, Prof. Bosman and Ms. Balla Galma Godana took attendees through a detailed Article-by-Article analysis of the New York Convention. During these sessions, Rtd. Hon. Jus.Charles Kajimanga, shared developments and insights on the relationship between these articles with Zambian law.  

Judges’ involvement in discussions and willingness to share perspectives and experiences allowed for a productive exchange on enforcement and recognition of foreign arbitral awards in Zambia and beyond.

ICCA thanks the LIAC for co-hosting the event, and for their warm welcome to Lusaka.