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Sparc Systems Limited has donated K10 million to the Malawi International Arbitration Centre to support the establishment of the Centre.
The company made the donation at its Blantyre office on Thursday in the presence of the Malawi Law Society (MLS) and the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI).
The Malawi Bar Association and the Federation of Malawi Chambers of Commerce and Industry will host a seminar in Lilongwe on September 5 and 6 to raise awareness of the initiative.
The company’s technical services director, Chikondi Kalolo, told Nyasa Times that they supported the cause as they knew it would help resolve the dispute.
“The Centre will promote alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and strengthen legal infrastructure. As a business, we face client challenges where speedy arbitration is essential, without compromising the relationship. Unfortunately, we could not find a suitable solution. We are sure that many businesses in Malawi have experienced this.
“That is why we are pleased to support the development of the International Arbitration Centre, which will provide a much-needed platform for efficient and effective dispute resolution, preserving commercial relationships and promoting a healthier business environment in Malawi,” Koloko said.
He further said that the establishment of the centre in Malawi would go a long way in enhancing the country’s reputation as a favourable destination for investment, improving its ranking in the Ease of Doing Business Index.
“Once operational, the centre will provide a safe and efficient dispute resolution mechanism, attract foreign direct investment and drive economic growth in Malawi,” Koloko said.
Patrick Mpaka, Director of the Malawi International Arbitration Centre, commended Sparc Systems for being the first institution to support the establishment of the Centre.
Mpaka, who is also the MLS chairman, said the workshop would raise awareness of the benefits of the centre to local industries by speeding up conflict resolution.
“The Malawi International Arbitration Centre is a joint venture private company limited by guarantee. The Centre was established on September 7, 2023 by the Malawi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Malawi Securities to establish and seek to maintain a neutral and independent institution led by the private sector for the settlement or resolution of commercial, investment and other disputes through arbitration, mediation and similar proceedings, rather than through litigation in the courts.
“It will improve Malawi’s business environment and enhance access to commercial justice by institutionalizing arbitration, mediation, conciliation and other alternative dispute resolution methods and serving the local and international business community through efficient non-judicial measures. It is unique in that it is a legally approved, entirely private-led initiative that actively promotes cooperation and endorsement by country parties and multilateral institutions at the national, regional and international levels,” said Mpaka.
The Malawi government has signed the 1958 New York Convention, becoming the 167th country to accede to the international agreement aimed at resolving commercial disputes outside the normal judicial system.
The International Arbitration Act 2023 has been passed by the Malawi Parliament and assented to by the Head of State, Lazarus Chakwera.
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