The Kigali International Arbitration Center (KIAC) has signed a partnership agreement with the Federation of African Engineering Organizations (FAEO) to enhance the knowledge and skills of African engineers in resolving disputes without resorting to courts.
The agreement, signed on November 21, 2024, aims to provide training for FAEO members. The goal is to help engineers address project conflicts more effectively and prevent legal battles by finding solutions independently.
Eng. Kazawadi Papias Dedeki, the head of FAEO, explained that they sought KIAC’s expertise to better understand how to prevent and resolve issues within engineering projects across Africa, without going through the lengthy and costly court process.
“There are many challenges engineers face in project implementation,” said Eng. Kazawadi. “When conflicts arise, they are often handled by outsiders, who believe that African engineers lack expertise. This partnership with KIAC is about changing that narrative. We want African engineers to resolve issues independently, without always needing foreign intervention or heading to court.”
The agreement is expected to equip engineers with the tools they need to deal with disputes that arise during the execution of projects, whether in Rwanda or other African countries. It aims to promote self-reliance and foster greater local expertise in conflict resolution.
Victor Mugabe, KIAC’s Secretary General pointed out that many large-scale engineering projects face delays due to minor disputes, which often escalate unnecessarily. He emphasized that resolving these issues quickly without involving courts could save billions and ensure that projects stay on track.
“Even a small problem, like an issue in project planning or execution, can cause major delays,” Mugabe said. “If engineers are trained in effective conflict resolution techniques, projects can move forward smoothly and efficiently.”This new collaboration is a significant step towards strengthening Africa’s engineering sector. It will not only reduce reliance on external experts but also help foster a culture of resolving disputes locally.
KIAC, established in 2012, has been a leading institution in resolving commercial disputes quickly and efficiently without the need for court intervention. In addition to offering dispute resolution services, KIAC also provides training programs for professionals in various fields, including law and business, to enhance their skills in managing conflicts.
With this partnership, both KIAC and FAEO aim to ensure that African engineers have the tools and knowledge to manage disputes independently, improving the overall efficiency and success of engineering projects across the continent.
