The coming into effect and promulgation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has ushered in a new and exciting era for the continent. AfCFTA aims to enhance intra-African trade by providing a complete and mutually beneficial trade agreement among Member States. It covers goods and services, investment, intellectual property rights and competition policy. On December 5, 2020, the African Union Assembly approved the start of trading under AfCFTA as of January 1, 2021.
Our lawyers work with many of Africa's leading technology companies, offering advice throughout a broad range of areas - from corporate transactions to IP protection, patent law and litigation, and including regulatory, compliance, employment and contracting issues.
From startups to fast growing and mid-market businesses to mature global enterprises, our clients are companies that develop or create technology, are enabled by technology, or whose business model is fundamentally based on technology.
We advise technology companies throughout the business life cycle. We help startups get organized and funded and assist both growing and established technology companies in employment matters, commercial and technology transactions and IP patent protection strategies.
Experience has included advising:
- A telecom operator in drafting a legal opinion on a share transfer to a new shareholder.
- An international telecommunications company in drafting a cross survey pertaining to an international expansion of an international company.
- A private company in drafting a PPP and a concession agreement for a fiber optic cable scheme worth in excess of USD20 million.
- The Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development bank and PTA Bank in a project finance facility worth USD13 million for implementation of the first fiber optic cable scheme in Burundi.
Digital transformation is a driving force for innovative, inclusive and sustainable growth. The digital economy encompasses the economic and social activities that are boosted by platforms such as mobile and sensor networks, including e-commerce. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents an opportunity to boost growth, reduce poverty and expand economic inclusion in Africa.
The fintech industry is popular for its dynamic approach to delivery and relies on technological advances. Innovations such as blockchain, mobile payments and savings, peer-to-peer lending platforms, crowdfunding and similar internet-based solutions have radically transformed the financial services landscape in Nigeria, challenging its traditional business models and regulatory infrastructure. However, beyond the noteworthy advancements in this sector, a key concern is giving the country’s growing population access to these innovative solutions.
Many African countries are still grappling with the impact of the lockdown initiatives caused by COVID-19.1 Adapting to the health and safety protocols across Africa has meant a significant increase in the sheer volume of data being processed, particularly in the health and education sectors.
Whether drafting legal documents, litigating, or managing a law firm, legal professionals are expected to predict, with a relatively high degree of certainty, the possible consequences of every step they take and every word they communicate. Then, having considered all the possible consequences, they must decide on the best course of action. Any such decision typically involves having several alternatives, comparing them and evaluating their outcomes.