By: Usman Fambuleh

IMATT College has made history by becoming the first college in Sierra Leone to qualify for the 23rd Willem C. Vis East International Commercial Arbitration Moot after advancing through the African qualifying rounds.

The African rounds and closing ceremony were hosted at Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together top law students from across the continent. IMATT College distinguished itself in research, written advocacy, and oral argument, standing out among leading African institutions.

The closing ceremony featured keynote speaker Ann Claire Williams, retired United States Circuit Judge of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and former United States District Judge of the Northern District of Illinois, who currently serves as Of Counsel at Jones Day. She emphasized the importance of advocacy, preparation, and integrity in shaping future international arbitration practitioners—a message that resonated with the IMATT team.

By qualifying for the Hong Kong rounds, scheduled for March 17–22, 2026, IMATT College has put Sierra Leone’s legal education on the international stage. The Vis East Moot trains law students in cross-border commercial dispute resolution under international sales law and arbitration frameworks, and is recognized globally as a prestigious platform for aspiring arbitration lawyers.

For Sierra Leone, this achievement represents both a college milestone and a national breakthrough, demonstrating that Sierra Leonean students can compete confidently with peers worldwide.

The team is now preparing for the Hong Kong rounds, with logistical and financial arrangements, including travel, being key priorities for the coming weeks.