The Association
Beninese Association for International Arbitration
There are moments when a region of the world decides to take its place in the concert of legal nations. For West Africa, this moment has come.
The Beninese Association for International Arbitration (ABAI) was founded by Marie Laurence Mondukpè Yelouassi, with the conviction that West Africa has the talent and the will to build a hub of arbitration excellence in Cotonou.
ABAI is a learned society governed by French association law (1901), independent and Pan-African. It works to promote, train and advance international arbitration in all its forms — commercial, investment, construction, mining, insurance.
ABAI and CIAC — Two Sister Institutions
ABAI: Promotion, training, publications, network — the learned society
CIAC: Administration of arbitral proceedings — the arbitration chamber
Both institutions share the same vision: making Cotonou a leading hub for international arbitration in Africa.
ABAI has three fundamental missions, guided by eight values.
Promote
Promote international arbitration as a dispute resolution method in West Africa through conferences, webinars and publications.
Train
Train the next generation of arbitration practitioners to international standards through certifications and mentorship programs.
Shine
Shine from Cotonou to the world, bringing Africa's voice to global arbitration circles.
Nos valeurs
ABAI is an independent association, free from any commercial or political mandate.
ABAI promotes the highest standards of international arbitration practice.
ABAI guarantees the independence and neutrality of arbitrators and processes.
ABAI works for swift and efficient arbitration proceedings.
ABAI makes arbitration accessible to young African legal professionals through tailored programs.
ABAI is bilingual (FR/EN) and open to all legal traditions.
ABAI anchors its thinking in African legal and economic realities.
ABAI innovates through hybrid formats, its digital review, and collaborative tools.
ABAI is structured around transparent and participatory governance.
Marie Laurence M. Yelouassi
| Executive Board | To be completed |
|---|---|
| Founder President | Marie Laurence M. Yelouassi |
| Secrétaire Général | Gilbert KINGBE |
| Trésorier | Emeric TOSSA |
| Board of Directors | To be completed |
|---|---|
| To be completed | |
| Specialized Committees | To be completed |
|---|---|
| Comité Scientifique | To be completed |
| Comité des Publications | To be completed |
| Comité des Relations Internationales | To be completed |
| Comité des Adhésions | To be completed |
⚠ Under incorporation — legal filing pending
Beninese Association for International Arbitration (ABAI)
Cotonou, Republic of Benin
Association governed by French law of July 1, 1901
Indefinite
Purpose (Article 2)
The association aims to promote international arbitration, train in arbitration techniques, publish a scientific review, and build a network of practitioners and researchers in West Africa.
Join ABAI and participate in the development of international arbitration in Africa.
Membership Procedure
1. Application to the Secretary General
2. Admission by the Board of Directors
3. Signature of the membership form and commitment to the bylaws
Contact us at contact@abaiafrica.org