Africa Legal

05/08/2025

Afriwise’s acquisition of LawExplorer signals a bold shift and a strategic leap forward for how companies in Africa manage regulatory change, says Steven De Backer, CEO and Founder of Afriwise, Africa’s fastest-growing legal-intelligence platform.

The landmark deal, revealed this morning, unites Afriwise’s unmatched multi-country legal-intelligence platform with LawExplorer’s two decades of regulatory tracking expertise, starting with expanded capabilities in South Africa, one of the African continent’s most regulated and economically significant markets.

“With this move, we firmly establish Afriwise as the definitive one-stop platform for legal and regulatory intelligence in Africa while at the same time gaining a powerful foothold in the South African legal market,” says De Backer.

This latest move continues Afriwise’s recent evolution and strong growth, which includes its partnership with Africa Legal to launch the first GC Forum | Governance, Risk & Compliance, on 17 September 2025 in Johannesburg. Read more: https://www.africa-legal.com/news/afriwise-reshapes-the-african-legal-tech-landscape-with-its-landmark-acquisition-of-lawexplorer/122618

23/07/2025

Experienced Zimbabwean in-house counsel, company secretary, and wealth advisor Mercia Tshuma has partnered with longtime conveyancing expert Banda Pesanai to launch a new Harare firm that aims to provide strategic advice to individuals, families, and businesses across corporate law, family law, estate planning and administration, conveyancing, notarial work, and labour consulting.

Pesanai Tshuma Corporate Attorneys provides pragmatic legal solutions tailored to both corporate and personal legal needs. Read more: https://www.africa-legal.com/law-firm-news/experienced-conveyancer-and-corporate-counsel-join-forces-to-launch-new-zimbabwean-firm/122416

New Harare-based law firm Pesanai & Tshuma Corporate Attorneys is looking to guide businesses through complex landscapes with strategic advice while also supporting families to resolve sensitive matters and protect what matters most.

22/07/2025

Africa Legal congratulates project finance, energy, and construction expert Danielle van der Vaart on becoming a Partner in the Johannesburg office of international law firm Fasken, which has more than 950 lawyers across ten offices on three continents.

With several years’ project development experience at a Magic Circle law firm, Danielle was most recently a senior associate at a leading South African firm. She joins Fasken as a Partner in its Corporate & Commercial Practice Group.

A University of Pretoria graduate in law and psychology, Danielle’s expertise spans project finance transactions related to renewable energy, infrastructure PPP projects in Africa, and energy and utility projects in the Middle East, and she has extensive negotiating experience on key project documents. Read more: https://www.africa-legal.com/law-firm-news/fasken-fortifies-johannesburg-office-by-adding-projects-and-construction-expert-danielle-van-der-vaart-as-a-new-partner/122391

Leading international law firm Fasken, which more than 950 lawyers and ten offices on three continents, yesterday announced that Danielle van der Vaart had joined as a Partner in its Corporate & Commercial Practice Group in Johannesburg

13/06/2025

In an age of rising stakeholder activism, ESG litigation and reputational exposure, energy companies that fail to integrate Business and Human Rights into their business models risk project delays, financing constraints, legal liability, and community opposition, say Webber Wentzel partners Pooja Dela and Dylan Cron.

Conversely, companies that lead on BHR create resilience, de-risk investments and foster enduring partnerships with governments and communities.

Ahead of next week’s Africa Energy Forum, Pooja and Dylan explore how for energy stakeholders, BHR is no longer a peripheral concern but a core driver of responsible growth, risk management, and legitimacy in a rapidly evolving global and African energy ecosystem: https://www.africa-legal.com/opinion/powering-progress-why-business-and-human-rights-must-be-at-the-heart-of-africas-energy-future/121724

Africa is poised to become one of the most dynamic frontiers for energy investment. Ahead of the Africa Energy Forum 2025, Webber Wentzel partners Pooja Dela and Dylan Cron explore how Business and Human Rights principles have become a core driver

11/06/2025

“I am profoundly honoured to serve as President of the Association of International Energy Negotiators,” said leading Namibian energy lawyer Shakwa Nyambe, after he was confirmed as the first-ever African President of AIEN on Monday. “This historic moment reflects the strength of our global membership, and the trust placed in me to lead. I am committed to advancing AIEN’s mission, promoting collaboration and driving impactful and practical solutions for the energy sector’s future.”

Nyambe, the founder of SNC Incorporated, will be responsible for steering AIEN’s strategic direction, strengthening partnerships across the energy industry, and enhancing the organisation’s global presence. He will also serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Office, and official spokesperson of the organisation.

Following Nyambe’s confirmation, AIEN is currently holding its ninth annual International Energy Summit at the Shangri-La Hotel in Istanbul, Türkiye, titled “Energy Crossroads: Meeting Society’s Energy Needs in a Changing World”.

Read more: https://www.africa-legal.com/news/shakwa-nyambe-becomes-first-ever-african-to-lead-association-of-international-energy-negotiators/121687

Ahead of this week’s AIEN International Energy Summit in Türkiye, Namibian lawyer Shakwa Nyambe was confirmed as the new President of the global organisation of energy industry professionals

06/06/2025

Certainty is a bedrock principle of South African contract law, but the Petroleum Products Act introduces an unusual policy intervention that shifts the terrain, say Webber Wentzel partner Dylan Cron and Senior Associate Michael Benefeld.

While Courts have consistently upheld the principle that once parties have entered into a contract they are bound by its terms, section 12B of the Act invites scrutiny of contractual practices on the basis of fairness and reasonableness.

Ahead of this month’s Africa Energy Forum, Dylan and Michael examine section 12B and discuss the fundamental questions it raises, the lack of clarity for the industry around what is ‘unfair or unreasonable’ and how to balance protecting certainty without ignoring power imbalances: https://www.africa-legal.com/opinion/all-is-fair-in-love-and-petroleum/121594

Webber Wentzel is a leading legal adviser for the energy sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. Ahead of Africa Energy Forum 2025, partner Dylan Cron and Senior Associate Michael Benefeld explore fairness and contractual certainty under the Petroleum Products Act

02/06/2025

Leading figures from across the global dispute resolution community have gathered for London International Disputes Week (LIDW25). Across 2-6 June delegates will connect, learn, and socialise across a huge variety of sessions and events, exploring key issues and topics, and helping drive awareness and best practice globally.

The centrepiece LIDW25 Main Conference begins tomorrow, Tuesday 3 June, with an opening address from Sarah Sackman KC MP, then a panel exploring “The geopolitical and economic landscape and its impact on disputes”, bringing together experts including former Attorney General of Nigeria Christopher Adebayo Ojo.

It is fitting Ojo is part of the opening panel, given Africa’s growing significance to the global community. He is one of many African speakers appearing across LIDW25. And for those whose practice is based in or connected to Africa, or are passionate or curious about the continent, alongside general sessions exploring relevant topics, there are many Africa-specific sessions across the entire week: https://www.africa-legal.com/events/africa-is-on-the-agenda-as-london-international-disputes-week-begins/121503

LIDW25, themed ‘Innovation in Dispute Resolution: Navigating Global Risks’, kicks off today. For those passionate about Africa, there are plentiful sessions and networking opportunities across the week.

29/05/2025

We’re thrilled to announce a partnership with Resourcing Tomorrow as both official media partner and event co-host, with the launch of our special GC and Leadership Roundtable to take place in London on 3 December 2025.

“The legal community is essential to navigating the risks and opportunities shaping the future of global mining,” says Andrew Thake, Divisional Director at Resourcing Tomorrow, which will bring together more than 2,000 key mining and energy stakeholders from around the world, including Africa.

As part of this year’s event, Africa Legal will co-host a special session under the Chatham House Rule on “Navigating Legal and Geopolitical Challenges in Resource Security”. This invitation-only, closed door Roundtable will provide a strategic forum for legal, business, and government leaders to engage in peer-level dialogue and insight-sharing on key challenges facing the industry.

“This Roundtable will explore how legal strategy, regulatory foresight, and public-private cooperation are essential for sustainable, resilient growth,” says Scott Cowan, CEO of Africa Legal. Read more: https://www.africa-legal.com/events/africa-legal-to-host-gc-and-leadership-roundtable-on-legal-and-geopolitical-risk-at-resourcing-tomorrow-2025/121492

Resourcing Tomorrow, the global forum where mining leaders unite to shape the future of the industry, will be held in London on 2-4 December. The essential role of the legal community will be explored in a special closed-door session hosted by Africa Legal.

28/05/2025

The growing importance of Africa will be underlined this week as legal and business professionals from across the globe gather in Nairobi to build connections and gain valuable insights at the 9th ICC Africa Conference on International Arbitration.

“I’m looking forward to hearing about some of the latest developments in the market, the impact of technology, and to understand where things sit in relation to the Trump tariffs and how that’s affecting disputes work,” says Neil Gore, a born-and-bred Capetonian who is part of Grant Thornton’s Africa desk in London.

Gore, who has worked on some of southern Africa’s largest contentious insolvency matters, will be attending this week’s ICC Africa Conference on 28-30 May alongside colleagues including Parah Shah, Paul Cliff, and Angela Bilbow: https://www.africa-legal.com/profiles-and-features/africas-growing-role-in-the-future-of-global-dispute-resolution/121465

The 9th ICC Africa Conference on International Arbitration takes place in Nairobi this week. Neil Gore and Amaechi Nsofor discuss key challenges and trends as Africa’s role in global ADR evolves

26/05/2025

Africa finds itself at a defining moment - grappling with the need to meet soaring energy demand, uphold critical economic growth objectives, and adhere to global decarbonisation imperatives, say Webber Wentzel partners Garyn Rapson and Anél De Meyer. Within this complex trifecta, arbitration has emerged as a pivotal mechanism for resolving disputes arising from energy transitions, particularly as countries revise legal and policy frameworks to support climate goals.

Africa’s energy transition is not merely a technological challenge; it is a legal, commercial, and socio-political transformation. Ahead of next month’s Africa Energy Forum, Garyn and Anél discuss how South Africa’s energy narrative - characterised by regulatory reform, international financing, grassroots resistance, and institutional evolution - offers a lens into what the future of arbitration in Africa may look like.

Read more: https://www.africa-legal.com/opinion/lights-arbitration-action-south-african-perspectives-on-africas-energy-transition/121453

Webber Wentzel is a leading legal adviser for the energy sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. Ahead of next month’s Africa Energy Forum, partners Garyn Rapson and Anél De Meyer discuss arbitration’s vital role in Africa’s evolving energy landscape

16/05/2025

“Ten years ago someone may say they’re a tech lawyer, but in today’s age there are so many standalone and specialist parts that are becoming vital in themselves, like fintech or IP,” says Catherine Kariuki Mulika, a leading voice in digital economy law, named earlier in 2025 as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Legal Leadership in Africa. “Our focus on TDFI makes it very clear what areas we specialise in.”

With fellow expert and former TripleOKLaw partner Janet Othero, Mulika has co-founded Cavendrys, a women-led, sector-focused legal partner for the fast-moving world of digital business in Kenya and Africa. Based in Nairobi, Cavendrys works with the people shaping tomorrow’s economy: tech founders, fintech disruptors, digital platforms, telecom operators, and impact-driven investors.

“We specialize in law for the technology, telecoms, data, fintech, intellectual property, and innovation (TDFI) sectors,” say Othero and Mulika, who are legal architects in the digital space who have contributed to policy discussions, reviewed draft laws, and helped shape Kenya’s frameworks from the inside out: https://www.africa-legal.com/law-firm-news/leading-kenyan-lawyers-launch-specialist-tdfi-firm-cavendrys-to-help-empower-innovation/121398

Renowned technology lawyers Janet Othero and Catherine Kariuki Mulika have initiated a new chapter by establishing Cavendrys, a women-led, sector-focused legal partner for the fast-moving world of digital business in Kenya and Africa.

16/05/2025

“As Ethiopia continues with its economic liberalization, which also sees it extend its hand in terms of foreign investment, we will play our part in a platform that fosters regional discussion, knowledge exchange, and legal work across borders,” says Ethiopian lawyer Hamanot Belay Zeleke, the Principal at Haymanot & Advocates Law Office. “We are also very interested in growing our network and establishing lasting relationships with other law firms and in-house counsel across Africa.”

Africa Legal recently launched a dynamic membership to uplift African firms of all sizes, locations, and specialities. In the second of a new Spotlight series introducing community members, we spoke with Haymanot about her Addis Ababa-based law firm and building a more integrated African legal landscape: https://www.africa-legal.com/law-firm-news/member-spotlight-haymanot-advocates-law-office-ethiopia/121347

Africa Legal recently launched a dynamic membership to uplift African firms of all sizes, locations, and specialities. In the second of a new Q&A series introducing members of our community, we spoke with Haymanot Belay Zeleke, Principal at Haymanot & Advocates