Zambia hands over ADR Bill to modernise arbitration, mediation framework

The Zambia Law Development Commission has formally handed over the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Bill to Princess Kasune, marking a major step toward modernising the country’s arbitration and mediation framework.

The Bill aims to align Zambia’s arbitration regime with the UNCITRAL Model Law, create a clear statutory basis for mediation, and introduce adjudication mechanisms for construction and commercial disputes.

The handover took place on February 25, 2026, at the InterContinental Lusaka during Lusaka Arbitration Week, an international gathering that drew more than 100 participants from 14 countries.

The ZLDC said the proposed consolidated ADR framework was intended to enhance coherence, legal certainty and enforceability in resolving disputes outside the court system.

In remarks delivered on her behalf by Mulilo Kabesha, Kasune reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving access to justice and strengthening dispute resolution mechanisms.

She said the reforms were timely and aligned with Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan and Vision 2030.

“ADR mechanisms are intended to complement, rather than replace, the courts,” she said, calling for continued stakeholder support as the Bill proceeds through the legislative process.

Kasune said that once enacted, the law was expected to reduce court congestion, lower dispute resolution costs, improve commercial predictability and boost investor confidence.

Presenting the draft Bill, ZLDC Chairperson, Ruth Chibbabbuka, said the legislation was the culmination of a comprehensive review process.

“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,” she said.

Delegates at the event included Ceasar Pereira from Brazil and Kenneth Wyne.

Countries represented included Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Qatar, the United States, Ethiopia, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria and Spain.

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