School of Law, Economics and Government signs MOU with Africa International Arbitration Centre

On Friday, 20th April 2024, the School of Law, Economics and Government (LEG) entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Africa International Arbitration Centre. The signing of the MOU was attended the President of the Africa International Arbitration Centre (Malawi), Mr. Zhang Zhijie, and by the Dean of LEG, Professor Happy Kayuni, the Head of the Public Law and Clinical Legal Studies Department, Dr Ngime Mweso and Ms. Atupele Masanjala, who was representing the Head of the Private Law Department, Dr. Bernadette Malunga.

The purpose of the MOU is to establish a scholarship to benefit law students under LEG who study international arbitration. The scholarship shall be both merit and need based, targeting high achieving students who are facing financial difficulties. For the first year of the scholarship, the Africa International Arbitration Centre has provided an initial grant of MK10million.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Ms. Masanjala highlighted the significance of the support. “In recent years international arbitration has become increasingly important in Malawi especially with the passing of the new International Arbitration Act and the government’s plan to establish an arbitration institution in Malawi,” she said. “So a partnership targeting arbitration and seeking to foster more research in the topic could not have come at a better time!” 

While the scholarship is the first step of the partnership between the parties, there are also plans to put in place further activities such as student exchange programmes, short courses and internships for students. LEG is grateful to the Africa International Arbitration Centre for its generosity and is excited to work with them on other endeavors in what will prove to be a fruitful partnership for both parties.