The Role of Courts in Arbitration in Ethiopia under Proclamation No. 1237/2021

Arbitration is an alternative dispute resolution mechanism that produces a binding decision on the parties, unlike other ADR mechanisms. Though it is an entirely private process, the involvements of national courts are essential and inevitable in different stages of commercial arbitration processes. Ethiopian courts assume a broader role in arbitration processes before the coming into force of arbitration and Conciliation, working Procedure Proclamation No.1237 /2021. Such broader functions of courts emanate from the former legal regime governing arbitration in Ethiopia. This article evaluates and describes the role of Ethiopian courts in arbitration processes that are conferred by Arbitration and Conciliation, working Procedure Proclamation No.1237 /2021. The study used a doctrinal legal research method. Analysis of the proclamation and other relevant international instruments indicates that the role of Ethiopian courts in Commercial arbitration is minimal.