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ARTICLE · 24 JULY 2026

ICC Arbitration Statistics: The African Perspective

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
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Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

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The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has published its 2025 arbitration and ADR statistics, confirming that with 894 new cases registered, 2025 ranks among the top three years in ICC history...

South AfricaLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Jonathan Ripley-Evans
Jonathan Ripley-Evans
Veronica Connolly
Veronica Connolly
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The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has published its 2025 arbitration and ADR statistics, confirming that with 894 new cases registered, 2025 ranks among the top three years in ICC history for new cases and sets an all time record for the number of cases pending at year end. For our in-depth review and analysis of this information, please see our blog post here.

Of note is what these statistics reveal about practices and potential emerging trends in the African context. Notwithstanding the continued development and growth of African arbitral institutions in recent years, the data confirms that, at least for now, many African parties are still resolving their disputes in non-African seats and under the auspices of non-African institutions like the ICC.

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