Arbitration & ADR
Arbitration, mediation and amicable dispute resolution under OHADA law and the New York Convention.
Overview
ALPs advises on and represents clients in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution across Cameroon and the OHADA zone. Arbitration is an established feature of commercial dispute resolution in the region: the OHADA Uniform Act on Arbitration (as revised in 2017) governs arbitrations seated in member states and is supplemented by the arbitration function of the Common Court of Justice and Arbitration (CCJA), while Cameroon is a party to the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards — underpinning the enforceability of arbitral outcomes. Where arbitration is not the right tool, we structure mediation and negotiated settlements, including under the OHADA Uniform Act on Mediation, to preserve commercial relationships and reduce time and cost.
Talk to this teamWhat we advise on
Our team advises across the full spectrum of arbitration & adr, with deep expertise in the following areas.
OHADA arbitration under the Uniform Act on Arbitration
International commercial arbitration (ICC, LCIA and other institutional rules)
Ad hoc arbitration under Cameroonian arbitration law
Mediation and conciliation under the OHADA Uniform Act on Mediation
Pre-litigation negotiation and settlement strategy
Enforcement of arbitral awards (exequatur) in Cameroon
Challenge and annulment proceedings
Dispute boards and expert determination
How we help
Arbitration strategy and representation
We advise on the most effective dispute-resolution route for a given dispute — institutional or ad hoc arbitration, mediation or negotiation — draft and negotiate arbitration clauses, and represent clients throughout proceedings, from the request for arbitration to the final award.
OHADA and CCJA arbitration
We handle arbitrations governed by the OHADA Uniform Act on Arbitration, including arbitrations seated in the member states and references to the CCJA arbitration function, applying deep familiarity with the 2017 revision and its interaction with national procedural law.
Enforcement and challenge
We advise on the enforcement of domestic and foreign arbitral awards in Cameroon — including the exequatur procedure before the competent court — and represent clients in challenge and annulment proceedings, drawing on the limited grounds for refusal under the New York Convention and OHADA law.
Mediation and negotiated settlement
We design and conduct mediation and structured settlement processes — including under the OHADA Uniform Act on Mediation — to resolve disputes without the cost, delay and publicity of formal proceedings, and document settlements so that they are binding and enforceable.
Selected experience
[CLIENT CONFIRMATION PENDING] Representative arbitration and ADR matters
Representative arbitration and alternative dispute resolution matters are being compiled for publication with client approval.
Related industries
Related insights
All insightsInsolvency and Restructuring in the OHADA Zone: The AUPC Explained
The OHADA Uniform Act on Collective Insolvency Proceedings gives distressed companies in Cameroon and across the zone a structured path from prevention through safeguard to liquidation. We outline the framework creditors and borrowers should understand.
2026-06-22
articleArbitration Under OHADA: The CCJA, the 2017 Reform and Enforcement in Cameroon
The OHADA Uniform Act on Arbitration — revised in 2017 — and the arbitration rules of the Common Court of Justice and Arbitration make the OHADA zone a workable arbitral seat for commercial disputes. We explain how the system works and how awards are enforced in Cameroon.
2026-05-20
Frequently asked questions
What law governs arbitration in Cameroon and the OHADA zone?
Arbitration with its seat in an OHADA member state is governed by the OHADA Uniform Act on Arbitration, as revised in 2017, which applies directly alongside national procedural law. Cameroon also has a national commercial arbitration statute, and the CCJA operates a regional arbitration function. ALPs advises on the framework best suited to each dispute, including the choice of seat, rules and institution.
Can a foreign arbitral award be enforced in Cameroon?
Yes. Cameroon is a party to the 1958 New York Convention, so awards rendered in other contracting states can generally be recognised and enforced in Cameroon through the exequatur procedure, subject to limited grounds for refusal. Awards under the OHADA framework benefit from a simplified, treaty-backed enforcement regime across all member states.
Speak to our team
Our lawyers are available to discuss your matter in confidence.