The Dean of the Algiers Bar Association, Me Mohamed Baghdadi, announced this Saturday the creation of the Algerian Center for Dispute Resolution, on the occasion of an international seminar on arbitration held at the International Conference Center, in the presence of eminent academics, practitioners, lawyers, as well as national and international experts.
Algeria now has an independent body that primarily ensures speed in procedures and confidentiality in handling cases. The Dean of the Algiers Bar Association highlighted the importance and uniqueness of the Dispute Resolution Center, welcoming this major advancement, which will be supported by the creation of a specialized training center in arbitration procedures and law.
Emphasizing the importance of arbitration and mediation, he stated in his speech at the opening of this international seminar themed “International Arbitration, Sovereignty, and Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods” that the creation of this independent national Center will “operate within the framework of the law and the Constitution in coordination with the judicial institution.” According to Mr. Baghdadi, this body will strengthen trust and protect investors. Describing this initiative as “a strategic choice” and “a national necessity,” he indicated that the body will be composed of multidisciplinary experts.
This strategic initiative thus aims to bolster national capacities in dispute resolution while contributing to consolidating Algeria’s position as a reference regional actor in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution methods.
For his part, the Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, Lotfi Boudjemâa, underscored the importance of this step with the creation of the National Center for Dispute Resolution.
In his address, the minister indeed highlighted the importance of international arbitration and alternative dispute resolution methods, which he said have become “essential pillars for ensuring swift justice, strengthening confidence in economic and investment transactions, particularly in a context of globalization, interconnected commercial relations, and increasing international disputes.” According to him, recourse to these mechanisms is no longer merely a procedural choice but a necessity imposed by demands for speed, efficiency, and flexibility, in addition to helping alleviate the burden on courts.
Noting that international arbitration is governed by law within the framework of the Code of Civil and Administrative Procedures, Mr. Boudjemâa praised the initiative to create this center, affirming that Algeria is qualified to become a regional hub for international commercial arbitration and dispute resolution in investment and international trade matters.
“The creation of this body constitutes an essential guarantee to reassure investors and enhance the attractiveness of foreign direct investment, a key driver of economic development,” he stated.
This center will also contribute to consolidating legal and judicial security by ensuring neutrality, integrity, and independence, according to the Minister of Justice, who also pointed out the impact of this approach on training arbitrators and specialized lawyers, strengthening their skills in international arbitration.
At this high-level seminar, organized by the Algiers Bar Association in coordination with the National Union of Public Entrepreneurs (UNEP) and the Algerian Economic Renewal Council (CREA), experts emphasized that international arbitration is a strategic lever for attracting investments while preserving state sovereignty. Emphasis was placed on the need for a robust legal framework and a coherent national strategy to build the confidence of economic actors. The role of well-structured contracts and arbitration clauses was particularly highlighted in key sectors such as energy, mining, transport, and maritime, where preventing disputes is crucial for securing strategic projects.