Your Path from Award to Recovery
Winning an arbitral award is only the first step — enforcing it, especially against an African counterparty, requires specialist knowledge of both international enforcement mechanisms and local legal systems.
Clinton Consultancy assists international clients in converting awards from global arbitration centres into actual recoveries on the ground in Africa, whether through court recognition, asset seizures, or negotiated compliance.
Our Enforcement Services
1. Registration of Awards
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Filing for recognition in the relevant African jurisdiction under the New York Convention or local arbitration statutes.
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Navigating procedural requirements and timelines.
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Managing jurisdictional objections from opposing parties.
2. Asset Tracing & Preservation
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Locating bank accounts, real estate, vessels, or other valuable assets.
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Applying for freezing orders and injunctions to secure assets before they are dissipated.
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Coordinating with forensic accountants and private investigators.
3. Cross-Border Enforcement
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Working with foreign counsel to enforce awards in multiple jurisdictions where assets are located.
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Seizing assets such as cargo, mineral shipments, or receivables from third parties.
4. Negotiated Compliance
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Using enforcement pressure to reach settlement and payment arrangements.
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Protecting confidentiality and preserving commercial relationships where desired.
Jurisdictional Insights
Enforcement conditions vary widely between African states:
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Ghana: Member of the New York Convention; Commercial Courts often grant enforcement in 3–6 months if uncontested.
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Nigeria: Federal High Court jurisdiction; enforcement timelines vary by state but generally under 12 months for straightforward cases.
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Kenya: Arbitration Act modelled on UNCITRAL; enforcement often completed within 6–9 months.
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South Africa: Not a party to the New York Convention, but awards enforceable under domestic law with reciprocal recognition.
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Egypt: Regional arbitration hub; efficient enforcement under both domestic and international awards.
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Morocco: Strong enforcement record under New York Convention obligations.
Representative Matters
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Enforced a USD $30M ICC award in West Africa within 7 months, including asset freezing in multiple jurisdictions.
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Coordinated simultaneous enforcement in Ghana, Dubai, and the UK for a commodities trader.
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Successfully negotiated a multi-million-dollar settlement during enforcement proceedings in East Africa, preserving a valuable long-term supply agreement.
Why Clinton Consultancy
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Pan-African Reach – Access to every major African market for on-the-ground enforcement.
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Local Court Expertise – Direct relationships with court officials and regulators to expedite recognition.
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Asset Recovery Specialists – Proven track record in tracing and freezing assets before they disappear.
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International Standards – UK-qualified lawyers experienced with LCIA, ICC, SIAC, DIAC, ICSID, and UNCITRAL awards.
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Tailored Strategies – Enforcement plans customised to asset location, jurisdictional complexity, and commercial objectives.
Email: amanda@clintonconsultancy.com (cc: info@clintonconsultancy.com)
WhatsApp/Call: +233 27 252 2695
