The CAC administers binding commercial arbitration under its own Commercial Rules, fully aligned with the Arbitration Act (Chapter 7:15) and the UNCITRAL Model Law. An independent tribunal delivers a final, enforceable award.
A confidential, interest-based process in which an independent CAC mediator helps parties work toward a mutually acceptable resolution. Parties retain full control over the outcome.
For disputes turning on technical, financial, or valuation questions, the CAC appoints an independent expert to deliver a binding determination. Faster and less formal than arbitration.
The CAC has administered commercial disputes in Zimbabwe since 1995. Our institutional memory, established procedures, and deep relationships within the Zimbabwean legal and commercial community are unmatched.
Zimbabwe's Arbitration Act (Chapter 7:15) incorporates the UNCITRAL Model Law. Zimbabwe is a signatory to the New York Convention, meaning CAC awards are enforceable in over 170 countries.
Governed by an independent multi-stakeholder board from the Law Society of Zimbabwe, ZNCC, CZI, and independent practitioners. No party to any dispute has any influence over the institution.
CAC fees are transparent and published in advance. Our Expedited Rules deliver resolution within 60 days for disputes under USD 50,000. Calculate your exposure before you file.
Our arbitrators and mediators are drawn from the most senior ranks of the Zimbabwean and regional legal, accounting, engineering, and financial professions. Every appointment governed by IBA Guidelines.
CAC hearings can take place in person at our Harare or Bulawayo facilities, or fully virtually under our Virtual Hearing Protocol. Parties from any jurisdiction can participate without travel.
The CAC administers disputes across the full range of Zimbabwean commercial activity.
Joint venture disputes, royalty calculations, off-take agreement breaches
Contractor disputes, quantum claims, FIDIC contract interpretation
Loan agreement disputes, securities transactions, guarantee claims
Shareholder agreements, buy-sell disputes, valuation disagreements
Supply contracts, cargo claims, agency and distribution agreements
Commercial leases, development agreements, valuation disputes
Software contracts, data disputes, licensing disagreements
Bilateral investment treaty disputes, SADC commercial transactions
June 2025
Zimbabwe's first CIArb-accredited certificate in commercial arbitration practice opens for applications. Three-day intensive programme for practising advocates, attorneys, and in-house counsel.
January 2025
Updated rules introduce emergency arbitrator procedure, expedited track for disputes under USD 50,000, and provision for multi-party and multi-contract arbitrations for the first time.
March 2025
The Commercial Arbitration Centre and the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa have signed an MOU covering joint training initiatives, mutual panel referral, and SADC arbitration market development.
File your Notice of Arbitration or Mediation Request with the CAC Registrar. Your submission is treated as strictly confidential from the moment of receipt.
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