The Malawi International Arbitration Centre (MIAC) is a joint venture between the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) and the Malawi Law Society (MLS). Established in September 2023, MIAC aims to create a neutral, independent, and private-sector-led facility dedicated to the resolution of commercial, investment, and other disputes through arbitration, mediation, and similar processes. By offering these alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms, MIAC seeks to enhance the business environment in Malawi by providing a more efficient, cost-effective, and accessible means of resolving disputes outside the traditional court system.

MIAC operates as a legally sanctioned private initiative, with a unique focus on fostering collaboration and recognition by state entities and multilateral institutions at the national, regional, and international levels. The Centre’s primary goal is to institutionalize ADR in Malawi and to serve the local and international business communities by providing high-quality arbitration services.

With the full endorsement of the Malawi Government, MIAC is part of a broader network of regional institutions committed to the development and advancement of international arbitration practices within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). As a member of this network, MIAC is well-positioned to contribute to the regional integration of arbitration services, providing businesses in Malawi and beyond with a reliable and respected platform for dispute resolution.

MIAC’s operations are guided by a commitment to inclusivity and participation from the national business community and professional bodies, ensuring that the Centre remains responsive to the needs of its stakeholders. As it continues to develop, MIAC is dedicated to promoting awareness of its services, engaging with the business community, and securing the resources necessary to sustain its operations and fulfill its mission of improving access to justice through alternative dispute resolution.