Beninese business lawyer Thierry Donald Abinibola Tobossi has been designated as the Regional Representative for Africa of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Young Arbitration & ADR Forum (YAaF) for the 2026-2028 term. This marks the first time Benin has been represented in this international network dedicated to promoting arbitration and alternative dispute resolution methods. Tobossi's appointment follows a rigorous global selection process.
As a representative, Tobossi will be part of a global community of 116 regional representatives from 87 cities and 73 countries, with over 45,800 practitioners. He is the first Beninese national to join this global network. Tobossi has received several excellence awards, including the "President Mamadou Badio Camara" Excellence Prize awarded by the African Association of Francophone High Courts.
Tobossi's role involves developing and contributing to the culture of arbitration and mediation in Africa, with a focus on Benin and French-speaking West Africa. He aims to establish a national dynamic around these mechanisms, strengthen the capacities of young jurists, lawyers, magistrates, and university students, and organize training and networking activities.
The ICC YAaF program was officially launched on October 16, 2026, in London, during the 10th ICC YAaF World Conference. As part of this program, Tobossi plans to organize at least two events per year, financed locally or through sponsorship, dedicated to arbitration and mediation according to international practices.
Tobossi's appointment is significant for Benin's legal and economic environment. Arbitration provides a specialized, rapid, neutral, and confidential procedure for resolving commercial disputes, allowing states, companies, and individuals to seek justice alongside state courts. His mission will focus on creating bridges between the OHADA/Beninese legal space and international arbitration.
With his background as a certified arbitrator and mediator, and a doctoral student in private law at the Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, Tobossi is well-equipped to promote arbitration and mediation in Africa. His expertise in industrial property law and business law will be valuable assets in his new role.
The ICC YAaF program aims to promote alternative dispute resolution methods and provide a platform for young professionals to network and develop their skills. Tobossi's appointment represents a recognition of Benin's growing importance in the field of international arbitration and alternative dispute resolution.
Key points
- Thierry Tobossi is the first Beninese national to be appointed as a Regional Representative for Africa in the ICC YAaF.
- Tobossi's mission will focus on promoting arbitration and mediation in Benin and French-speaking West Africa.
- The ICC YAaF program aims to provide a platform for young professionals to network and develop their skills in alternative dispute resolution methods.
