Cross-Border Dispute Resolution & International Arbitration in Tanzania
When commercial disputes cross borders, you need counsel with both international legal expertise and deep knowledge of Tanzanian courts and arbitration. Arik Law protects your rights and enforces your claims across jurisdictions.
Cross-Border Commercial Disputes in East Africa
As international trade and investment across East Africa grows, so does the frequency of commercial disputes involving parties from multiple countries. These disputes arise from breached contracts, failed joint ventures, government action against investors, unpaid invoices, and asset recovery - and they require counsel who can navigate both the local legal system and international dispute resolution frameworks.
Arik Law combines fluency in Tanzanian law with experience in international commercial arbitration to represent clients effectively wherever their dispute is heard.
Our Dispute Resolution Services
International Commercial Arbitration
For foreign investors and international businesses, arbitration is usually the preferred dispute resolution mechanism - providing a neutral forum, confidentiality, and an internationally enforceable award. Arik Law represents clients in arbitration proceedings under major institutional rules including:
- International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
- London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA)
- International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)
- Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration (NCIA)
- Tanzania Arbitration Centre (TAC)
- UNCITRAL ad hoc arbitration rules
We advise on arbitration clause drafting, seat selection, governing law, and the appointment of arbitrators - and represent clients through the entire proceedings from pleadings to award.
Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS)
Tanzania is a signatory to over 20 Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) and is a member of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). When a foreign investor suffers loss as a result of government action - including expropriation, discriminatory treatment, or failure to provide fair and equitable treatment - the investor may have the right to bring a claim against the Tanzanian government directly in international arbitration.
Arik Law advises foreign investors on their rights under applicable BITs and international investment law, and works with international counsel on the conduct of investor-state arbitration proceedings.
Commercial Litigation in Tanzanian Courts
Where arbitration is not available or appropriate, Arik Law represents foreign parties in the Tanzanian High Court (Commercial Division) and the Court of Appeal. The Commercial Division of the High Court handles business disputes and has an established track record for relatively efficient case management. We appear as advocates and instruct specialist counsel for complex disputes.
Enforcement of Foreign Judgments & Awards
Tanzania is a party to the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, making foreign arbitral awards enforceable in Tanzanian courts subject to limited grounds of refusal. We advise on and manage the enforcement of foreign awards and judgments against Tanzanian-based assets, including applications to the High Court for recognition and enforcement.
Asset Tracing & Recovery
When debtors hide assets, we work with specialist investigators to trace assets in Tanzania and obtain court orders - including injunctions, freezing orders, and search orders - to preserve and recover assets before they can be dissipated.
Mediation & Alternative Dispute Resolution
Where commercial relationships are worth preserving, mediation often delivers faster, less costly, and more durable outcomes than litigation or arbitration. Arik Law acts as legal advisers to parties in mediation and, where appropriate, assists in the selection of suitable mediators and the design of mediation processes.
Contract Disputes & Breach of Agreement
We represent clients in disputes arising from breach of commercial contracts - including supply agreements, construction contracts, franchise agreements, distribution arrangements, and shareholder agreements - through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or court proceedings, depending on the dispute resolution clause and commercial context.
Proactive Dispute Prevention
Arik Law also advises clients on structuring contracts and transactions to minimise dispute risk - including clear dispute resolution clauses, governing law selection, and payment security mechanisms that protect your position if things go wrong.
When Your Commercial Interest Is at Stake, You Need Arik Law
Whether the dispute is in a Dar es Salaam courtroom, a London arbitration centre, or a Washington ICSID tribunal - Arik Law coordinates your defence and your claims with the same focus on results.