Personal bio
Dr. Rukia Baruti is an independent non-executive director, experienced arbitrator, and non-practising solicitor qualified in England and Wales. She is recognised for her expertise in governance, strategy, legal risk management, and ESG, with a distinguished career in international arbitration and law.
She serves as a Non-Executive Director and contributes to Board of Burford Capital's Nominating and Governance, and Compensation Committees. She is also an Advisory Board Member of the Tanzania International Arbitration Centre (TIAC) and an Editor of the Jus Mundi Arbitration Review.
Dr. Baruti’s career spans roles as counsel, arbitrator, and Secretary to the Tribunal in cases under all major institutional rules. She is frequently appointed by institutions including the ICC, the LCIA, and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators to act as a sole or panel arbitrator in cross-border disputes.
A strong advocate for diversity and African participation in international law, she founded Africa International Legal Awareness (AILA) and co-founded the African Arbitration Association (AfAA), where she played a pivotal leadership role as Secretary-General and Director.
She holds a First-Class Bachelor of Laws from Birkbeck College, a Master’s in Diplomatic Studies and International Law from the University of Westminster, and a doctorate (cum laude) in Foreign Investment Law in Africa from the University of Geneva. Tanzanian-born, she continues to champion diversity, governance, and the advancement of African expertise.