Since the Institute pays a particular attention to the training of members of the judiciary, bar associations, civil society organizations as well as of the legislative and executive organs of the African States, it is seated in Arusha (Tanzania) which is considered as the legal and judicial capital of Africa. Arusha hosts hosts three international judicial bodies established at the universal, continental and regional levels, respectively: the African branch of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, the African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Court of Justice of the East African Communities. Arusha also hosts the African Union Advisory Board on Corruption.

The Host Country Seat Agreement was signed in Dar es Salaam on 12 March 2013 by Ambassador Sani L. Mohammed, Project Coordinator and Honorable Bernard Kamillius Membe, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania. In accordance with Article IV (1) of the Seat Agreement, the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has provided a plot of land of 5 acres for the construction of the future premises of the Institute. The Institute has already obtained the Ground Lease Agreement and the Certificate of Occupancy for the land at the Diplomatic enclave in Arusha. Building of the Institute Headquarters is considered crucial to its long-term sustainability. However, the necessary funding has not yet been secured.