From Ghana to Geneva: Why Switzerland could matter for future Africa-Asia disputes?

In recent years, investments from (mainly) China and other Asian investors into Africa have significantly increased. Notably, China’s belt and road initiative (BRI) has led to massive investments. The investments relate not only to various infrastructure projects (roads, railways, ports, and airports) but also to commodity trading, natural resources and mining, agriculture, recycling and sustainability projects (renewable energy), consumer goods, and retail.

The remarkable growth also leads to complex dispute landscape across commercial contracts and, at times, treaty claims. Operating conditions remain heterogeneous, with challenges including political instability, resource dependence, regulatory uncertainty, and corruption risks. These issues underscore the need for efficient and fair dispute resolution.

The panel will discuss Switzerland’s opportunities why Switzerland may rise as an ideal hub for such disputes. Specifically, the session will focus on why a civil law based international arbitration environment without any colonial history and with a tested and proven mechanism to resolve conflicts may be of importance.