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The Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, in collaboration with the Arbitration Steering Committee and Hogan Lovells London, has conducted a high-level capacity-building training on international arbitration, with a focus on the mining and power sectors.
The training, held at the Foreign Service Academy Hall under the theme “Justice for Growth: Strengthening Dispute Resolution Framework for Sustainable Investment,” brought together State Counsel, government officials, and private sector representatives. It aimed to enhance expertise in managing complex arbitration cases and safeguarding the State’s interests in international investment disputes.
Deputy Minister of Justice and Chairperson of the Steering Committee, Madam Elizabeth Saptieu Saccoh, said Sierra Leone has entered a new phase of international arbitration supported by modern legislation aligned with global standards. She stressed that consistent application of arbitration laws is essential to strengthening investor confidence and promoting sustainable economic growth.
She explained that the training was designed to build the capacity of State Counsel and public officials handling arbitration matters. She urged participants to deepen their understanding of the Arbitration Act 2022 and ensure consistency in legal advice across government institutions.
“A reliable and predictable arbitration framework is fundamental to attracting and retaining long-term investment,” she noted.
Delivering the keynote address, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay Esq. reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing a credible and internationally respected dispute resolution system. He referenced Sierra Leone’s accession to the New York Convention in 2020 as a major milestone and described the enactment of the Arbitration Act 2022 as a transformative step in modernizing the country’s arbitration framework.
He noted that Section 82 of the Act provides for the establishment of the Sierra Leone International Arbitration Centre to promote and administer arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. According to him, operationalizing the Centre remains a key policy priority aimed at boosting investor confidence and strengthening domestic legal capacity.
Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources Umaru Napoleon Koroma Esq. also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of arbitration in ensuring legal certainty in the mining sector. He said mining investments are long-term and capital-intensive, requiring stable regulatory frameworks and credible dispute resolution mechanisms.
He added that early and impartial resolution of disputes helps prevent costly delays and strengthens trust between the State and investors.
The training forms part of broader justice sector reforms aimed at reinforcing the link between a strong legal framework and sustainable economic development.
