Our five-year strategy outlines our objectives for the AFAS and the actions aimed to achieve them. This strategy presupposes the continued importance of philanthropic support to enable us to realise our plans  for the five-year period 2021-2026 and beyond. We have set ourselves five main objectives. The principal  way we support young Africans is by providing financial support, through grant-making to attend  arbitration related conferences, workshops, moots and other events. In addition, our activities include the  provision of non-financial support such as conversation series, mentoring, case summaries, blogs and other  publications. We will keep our strategy under review as we expect that it will evolve over time as the  context of our work develops. 

Core belief  

Nurturing young Africans through the provision of relevant support, access and resources will enable them  to thrive in arbitration and other ADRs. 

Mission  

Develop human capacity in arbitration and other ADRs by creating programmes and platforms for  nurturing young Africans and funding research, knowledge exchange and training.  

Vision  

To develop and support young Africans to become leaders in academia and practice in the field of  arbitration and other ADRs. 

Objective 1: SUPPORT young Africans 

Action 1: Publish regular content about our activities and the work of our communities and the wider  sector in order to develop and enhance the culture of arbitration and other ADRs on the continent. 

Action 2: Keep young Africans informed about relevant opportunities and developments in the field of  arbitration and other ADRs globally. 

Action 3: Expand professional development opportunities through attending and participating in  arbitration related conferences, workshops, moots and other events. 

Action 4: Conduct regular surveys to ensure that AFAS is providing relevant support to young Africans.

Objective 2: ATTRACT and retain partners and stakeholders who share our Vision.

Action 1: Develop and implement a cooperation strategy with partners and stakeholders

Action 2: Establish networks and peer-to-peer engagement opportunities for partners and stakeholders 

Action 3: Engage with partners and stakeholders to maintain a regularly updated online platform covering  key developments in arbitration and other ADRs. 

Objective 3: DEVELOP information and knowledge sharing platforms  

Action 1: Conduct a programme of regular engagement with key actors in arbitration, both academics and  practitioners, to increase understanding of the value of their work. 

Action 2: Drive an integrated campaign targeted at strengthening the culture of arbitration and other ADRs in Africa.  

Action 3: Review, develop and enhance our mentoring programme to support a diverse range of young  Africans. 

Action 4: Explore the availability and secure other support and resources for young Africans such as internships and scholarships. 

Objective 4: SHAPE global policy and practice in the field of arbitration and other ADRs

Action 1: Engage and respond to global debates in the field of arbitration and other ADRs.

Action 2: Publish and disseminate regular research in the field of arbitration and other ADRs. 

Action 3: Support initiatives to promote arbitration and other ADRs in Africa through interacting with like minded policy makers and organisations. 

Objective 5: EXPAND funding streams  

Action 1: Pursue a diverse strategy for fundraising through increased collaboration and engagement with  individuals and institutions globally. 

Objective 6: RAISE our profile within the UK charity sector 

Action 1: Collaborate with and support like-minded organisations in the UK. 

Action 2: Increase the diversity and inclusivity of our trustees, partners, stakeholders and other volunteers. 

Key Definitions 

Young Africans 

An individual of African heritage who is studying or has previously studied arbitration and/or other ADRs as part of a University Award at either undergraduate or postgraduate level in the past 3 years (from the  date of application) 

OR, 

An individual of African heritage with less than 5 years post qualification experience (PQE). ADR refers to alternative dispute resolution processes.