About the conference
The Africa Construction Law (ACL) Conference returns for its 6th edition on 11–12 May 2026, marking another milestone in ACL’s commitment to shaping the future of construction law across the continent. This flagship annual gathering brings together leading practitioners, policymakers, industry experts, and stakeholders working in the infrastructure, construction, and energy sectors throughout Africa.
Who should attend
- Practicing lawyers
- In house counsel
- Dispute resolvers
- Consultants and experts
- Employers and investors
- Contracting organizations
- Academics and researchers
Annual Gala Dinner & Awards night
- The Wanderers Club, Johannesburg, South Africa
- 11 May 2026
The Africa Construction Law Awards Dinner is a prestigious evening dedicated to celebrating excellence and leadership in construction law and dispute resolution across Africa.
More about the conference
What is the ACL conference about?
The Africa Construction Law (ACL) Conference is a gathering of construction law professionals experienced in African projects and industry stakeholders working across the construction and energy sectors to interrogate key trends in construction law and infrastructure from Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone African jurisdictions. This annual flagship event is uniquely positioned as the continent’s leading industry platform, attracting a broad and influential mix of practitioners, decision-makers, and thought leaders across legal, technical, commercial, financial, and policy disciplines.
The 2026 edition builds on the success of previous editions which attracted a high level of interest, globally with delegates attending in-person from various jurisdictions including United Kingdom, Egypt, Ghana, Benin Republic, Togo, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Paris, Portugal, United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Zambia, Cameroon, Switzerland, Mauritius, Nigeria, Austria, USA, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Liberia, and Qatar. Delegates represented a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including contractors, employers, developers, banks and finance institutions, government institutions, law firms, Chambers, arbitral institutions, expert consultancies, and academia.
Designed to deliver value for both attendees and sponsors, the Conference provides a high-impact forum for practical knowledge exchange, strategic dialogue, and meaningful networking. Attendees benefit from commercially focused discussions grounded in real project experience, while sponsors gain direct visibility before a highly targeted audience, opportunities for relationship-building, and strong brand alignment with Africa’s premier construction and infrastructure conference. The programme is industry-driven rather than academic, addressing the legal, commercial, and policy issues that shape project delivery, financing, risk allocation, and dispute resolution across the continent.
Who should attend the conference?
The conference is designed for, and usually attracts a diverse audience, including:
- Construction and infrastructure lawyers
- In-house counsel and general counsel
- Arbitrators, mediators, and dispute resolution practitioners
- Engineers, quantity surveyors, and technical consultants
- Employers, contractors, developers, and investors
- Government agencies, policymakers, and regulators
- Academics and researchers
What topics will be discussed?
The speaker line-up features prominent legal and technical professionals offering insights on current trends and development in construction law. The conference features full plenary sessions over two days, covering current trends and developments in construction law and the infrastructural challenges faced across English-speaking, Francophone and Lusophone African jurisdictions. The agenda explores a wide range of issues, covering the full financing, contracting and dispute resolution spectrum, including:
- Critical Infrastructure: Mapping the Projects Shaping Africa’s Economic Future.
- Adverse Climatic Conditions, Currency Risk & Supply Chain Disruption: A Growing Challenge for Construction Projects in Africa.
- Dispute Boards in Africa: demystifying DAAB practice and enforcing decisions from site to seat.
- Local Content Requirements and International vs Local Contractors.
- Project Security in African Construction Projects – Practical Considerations for Employers and Contractors.
- The Engineer’s dual role as impartial certifier and Employer’s agent.
- AI-Enhanced Contract Management and Evidence Preservation in African Construction Projects.
- From Contract to Award: Practical Challenges in Resolving Construction Disputes in Africa.
What is the format of the conference?
The programme usually features keynote addresses, panel discussions, oxford-style debate, fireside chats, and interactive sessions, allowing for both technical analysis and practical engagement. This year, participants should expect:
- High-level panel discussions and plenary sessions
- Practical insights from leading regional and international experts
- Engaging debates on current and emerging industry challenges
- Valuable networking opportunities with decision-makers and industry leaders
- Knowledge-sharing focused on real-world construction and infrastructure projects
- A dynamic Oxford-style debate on topical construction and dispute resolution issues
- The ACL Annual Gala Dinner & Awards, recognising and honouring outstanding professionals and organisations in the construction and infrastructure industry.
What is the ACL Annual Gala Dinner & Awards?
The ACL Annual Gala Dinner & Awards is a prestigious event held during the conference to celebrate excellence and innovation in Africa’s construction and infrastructure sector. The awards recognise individuals, firms, and institutions for outstanding contributions, leadership, and impact within the industry. It brings together finalists, winners, conference delegates, sponsors, and industry leaders for a celebratory and high-profile networking occasion.
Why Attend the Gala Dinner & Awards?
- Celebrate Achievement: Recognises outstanding individuals and organisations shaping the future of construction law and infrastructure in Africa.
- Network with Peers: Connect with senior practitioners, decision-makers, and industry leaders in a relaxed, premium setting.
- Brand Visibility: Sponsors and partners receive visibility throughout the event and awards coverage.
- Exclusive Access: Attendance by invitation – finalists and sponsors, as well as key delegates.
When & Where Is the Gala Dinner Held?
The Gala Dinner is scheduled as part of the official Conference programme and is a must-attend highlight of the ACL Annual Conference.
It will be held at The Wanderers Club, Johannesburg, South Africa, on 11 May 2026, commencing at 6:00 PM.
Do I need to pay an additional fee for the Gala Dinner if I have registered for the Conference?
No. Conference registration includes access to the ACL Annual Gala Dinner & Awards. Once you have paid for the Conference, you are automatically entitled to attend the Gala Dinner. Attendance at the Dinner is therefore tied to Conference registration.
If my firm is sponsoring the Conference, do we need to pay separately for Dinner tickets?
No additional payment is required, subject to your sponsorship category. Sponsorship packages typically include complimentary delegate passes, which cover both Conference attendance and the Gala Dinner & Awards for the sponsor’s nominated representatives. The number of complimentary passes available will depend on the specific sponsorship tier selected.
How many delegates from my firm can attend under a sponsorship package?
The number of delegates that may attend under a sponsorship package depends on the sponsorship category selected. Each sponsorship tier includes a defined number of complimentary delegate passes, which grant access to:
- The full Conference programme; and
- The ACL Annual Gala Dinner & Awards.
For detailed information on sponsorship benefits and delegate entitlements, please request the Conference Sponsorship Prospectus by contacting info@africaconstructionlaw.org.
Will there be networking opportunities?
Yes. The conference provides structured and informal networking opportunities with senior decision-makers, practitioners, and industry leaders active in African projects.
Is the conference suitable for legal and non-legal professionals?
Yes. While legally grounded, the content is commercially focused and relevant to project, commercial, and operational stakeholders.
How do I register for the Conference?
Please click on the “Register” button on this page to continue your registration.
What does the Conference registration fee include?
Your Conference registration fee provides full access to:
- All Conference sessions and plenary discussions
- The ACL Annual Gala Dinner & Awards
- Conference meals and refreshment breaks
- Networking sessions and official social events
- Access to all Conference materials and documentation
Please note: The registration fee does not include accommodation, travel, or visa-related expenses.
Are there Early Bird discounts available?
Yes. Early Bird registration rates may be available for a limited period and will be clearly indicated on the Conference webpage. Delegates are encouraged to register early to take advantage of any discounted rates.
What is the cancellation or refund policy?
Please note that the ACL Conference operates a strict no-refund policy. Once the registration fee has been paid and processed, it is non-refundable, including in cases of non-attendance.
Why should my organisation sponsor the conference?
Sponsorship offers strategic visibility before a highly targeted audience, brand positioning as a thought leader in African construction and infrastructure, and direct engagement with key market players.
For further information about the sponsorship categories and benefits of sponsorship, please contact busola.adesanya@africaconstructionlaw.org and info@africaconstructionlaw.org
Partners & Sponsor
Headline Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Supporting Institutions
