South Africa, Jan. 22 -- In this environment, the familiar machinery of the courtroom is being supplemented, if not progressively replaced, by arbitration, mediation and hybrid dispute resolution mechanisms that promise efficiency, predictability and autonomy.

In Africa, particularly in Southern Africa, this shift is not abstract. It is visible in rising pressure on courts, growing appetite for arbitration, and demand for digitally competent, internationally credible dispute-resolution services.

Looking to 2026, at least five trends stand out as structurally reshaping the legal landscape.

1. Domestic arbitration is becoming the default escape valve

Across Southern Africa, domestic arbitration is no longer a niche alternative. It is gr...