OUR HISTORY

The Africa Chief Justices ADR Forum (ACJADRF) was born out of a continental desire to strengthen justice systems in Africa through homegrown solutions that combine modern legal advancements with Africa’s rich heritage of amicable settlement of disputes.

Established in 2024 during the First continental Africa Chief Justices ADR Summit held on the 5th and 6th March, 2024 at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, Uganda, the Summit brought together chief justices from across the African continent under a common commitment; to lead transformative efforts aimed at improving access to justice through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

Now marking one year of impactful existence, with representation from 23 Judiciaries across the African continent, ACJADRF stands as a testament to the visionary leadership of Africa’s judiciary heads who recognized that traditional justice mechanisms long sidelined by colonial legal frameworks remain relevant, responsive, and effective in resolving disputes within communities.

 OUR OBJECTIVES

  • Promote ADR and AJS reforms led by Chief Justices to align with SDG 16.
  • Support the regular convening of the Africa Chief Justices’ Summit on ADR and AJS.
  • Advocate for the appointment of ADR focal persons in each African country.
  • Encourage African Governments to allocate sufficient funding for ADR and AJS initiatives.
  • Foster partnerships with research institutions to explore the intersections of ADR and AJS.
  • Promote the adoption of an annual “ADR/AJS Week” to raise awareness and build trust.
  • Advocate for revisions in legal education to incorporate ADR and AJS.
  • Support the enactment or revision of laws to standardize and enforce ADR practices.
  • Establish recognition systems to celebrate the achievements of ADR practitioners.
  • Strengthen collaboration among ADR centers and institutes across Africa.

Our main support Partner