Photo Credit: Joe Nkadaani, Principal Public Relations Officer-Ministry of Justice
By Innocent Siachitoba
The Chairperson of the Zambia Law Development Commission, Honourable Justice Ruth H. Chibbabbuka, has formally handed over the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Bill to the Minister of Justice, Hon. Princess Kasune, MP. The Minister was represented at the ceremony by the Attorney General of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Mulilo Kabesha, SC.
The handover ceremony took place on 25 February 2026 at the InterContinental Hotel Lusaka during Lusaka Arbitration Week, an international event that attracted over 100 participants, including representatives from 14 countries.
Among the distinguished delegates were the CIArb Global President, Dr. Ceasar Pereira of Brazil, and the CIArb Kenya Branch Chairman, Prof Kenneth Wyne. Countries represented included Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Malawi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Qatar, United States of America, Ethiopia, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria, and Spain.
In presenting the draft Bill, Honourable Justice Chibbabbuka stated that the proposed legislation marks the culmination of a comprehensive law reform process undertaken by the Zambia Law Development Commission. The process began with a review of the Arbitration Act No. 19 of 2000 and subsequently expanded to establish a unified Alternative Dispute Resolution framework.
The Bill seeks to modernise Zambia’s arbitration regime in line with the UNCITRAL Model Law, establish a clear statutory framework for mediation, and provide for adjudication, particularly in construction and commercial disputes. The consolidated framework is intended to enhance coherence, legal certainty, and enforceability in resolving disputes outside the traditional court system.
In her remarks, the Minister of Justice reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening access to justice and improving the efficiency of dispute resolution mechanisms. She described the reform as timely and aligned with the Eighth National Development Plan and Vision 2030. The Minister emphasised that ADR mechanisms are intended to complement, rather than replace, the courts and called for continued stakeholder support as the Bill advances through the legislative process.
Once enacted, the new framework is expected to reduce court congestion, lower the cost of dispute resolution, enhance predictability in commercial transactions, and strengthen investor confidence.
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25 February 2026