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Investing in Africa's greener future | With Muzi Kubeka and Pedro Couto and Craig Sisterson
What does the future hold for renewable energy projects in Africa? Ahead of the GC Forum Extractives in Cape Town in February, themed “Energy and Mining - the New Power Couple?”, energy and infrastructure law experts Muzi Kubeka of CMS South Africa and Pedro Couto of CMS Mozambique discuss Africa’s rapidly evolving renewable energy sector and the role it could play in socioeconomic development and bringing greater wealth to African nations. In the latest Africa Legal podcast, Muzi and Pedro share insights into the challenges and opportunities in developing renewable energy projects, emphasising cross-border collaborations, the integration of local and international expertise, and innovative financing solutions to meet Africa's growing energy demand. The conversation highlights the importance of modernising infrastructure, streamlining regulatory frameworks, and adopting renewable technologies such as solar, wind, and hydro, and underscores the significant impact of renewable energy on socioeconomic development, job creation, and sustainability across the continent
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The Journey So Far | Audrey Alevina and Scott Cowan
In the latest episode of the Africa Legal Podcast, Scott Cowan interviews Audrey Alevina, the founding partner of Alevina and Partners, a law firm which started in Gabon and has now extended internationally through Dubai. In their conversation, Audrey shares her experiences of founding her law firm, overcoming obstacles in the male-dominated legal sector, and expanding into asset management with Dhow Advisory, an asset management business based in London and the United Arab Emirates. Audrey emphasises the importance of authenticity, resilience and leveraging mentorship in her career journey. She also points out the need to adapt to changes in Africa's legal sector. Audrey says her firm's focus on innovative legal services and legal structuring has helped her stand out and grow strategically. As African legal markets evolve, Audrey encourages aspiring lawyers to think out of the box and develop a bold strategy. Success, she believes, lies not just in legal knowledge but also in deeply understanding the nuances of the socio-political and economic climate of their region.
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Navigating product liability in the health sector with Amala Umeike and Samantha Silver
In this episode of the Africa Legal Podcast, host Craig Sisterson speaks with Amala Umeike, partner at Stren & Blan Partners in Nigeria, and Samantha Silver, partner at Kennedys LLP in London, on Africa’s rapidly growing health and pharmaceutical sectors and evolving product liability law, with a focus on Nigeria. Amala explains how Africa’s healthcare growth, driven by increased investment and demand, faces regulatory challenges that highlight the need for robust product liability frameworks. He emphasises the regulatory progress in Nigeria, particularly through the African Medicines Agency (AMA), but notes the complexities of defending product liability claims in Nigerian courts. Proactive compliance and strategic defense, he says, are essential for managing these challenges. Samantha shares insights from her global experience, highlighting increased scrutiny on pharmaceutical and medical devices in the UK and EU, which is influencing African standards. She advises that multinationals adopt strong compliance and risk management practices to navigate Africa’s evolving regulations. Effective risk management, recalls, and insurer collaboration are crucial to reducing liability exposure. Both guests agree on the growing importance of regulatory alignment with global standards in Africa. As consumer awareness rises, product liability claims are likely to increase, making compliance and adaptability essential for businesses in Africa’s dynamic market.
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Episode 5 of 'Life and Lessons in Law' with James Kamau, Chair, DLA Piper Africa
The O-shaped lawyer and Africa’s legal evolution In a recent podcast, Scott Cowan and James Kamau explored the concept of the O-shaped lawyer and its impact on Africa’s legal landscape. This model, created by Dan Kayne, emphasises openness, optimism, originality, ownership, and opportunity, and goes beyond traditional legal skills to meet the evolving demands of clients and society. Kamau, Chair of DLA Piper Africa, and Cowan, CEO of Africa Legal, discuss the shift from I-shaped to T-shaped to O-shaped lawyers. I-shaped lawyers possess deep expertise in specific areas, while T-shaped lawyers combine legal expertise with broader business knowledge and collaboration. O-shaped lawyers, however, embody the five Os, making them more adaptable, innovative and capable of addressing complex global and Africa-specific challenges such as climate change, sustainable economic growth and human rights. If Africa’s legal education is going to incorporate these principles, Kamau says the curricula need to include business, technology and psychology courses, alongside mentorship programmes that connect students and professionals across various industries. This comprehensive training will produce well-rounded lawyers capable of contributing significantly to Africa’s development and of adapting to an ever-changing legal environment. Kamau highlighted the importance of resilience, critical thinking and continuous learning for young lawyers. By embracing these qualities, they can create value for clients, navigate complex issues and remain relevant in a dynamic world. This transformative approach positions lawyers to succeed in their careers and also drive positive change across the continent.
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Episode 4 of 'Life and Lessons in Law' with James Kamau, Chair, DLA Piper Africa
The discussion begins with an overview of ESG and its impact on various business aspects, including environmental sustainability, social responsibility and corporate governance. Kamau explains that ESG is not just a trend, but rather a crucial framework for ensuring long-term business sustainability and ethical operations. He also highlights specific areas where ESG considerations are essential, such as climate change, human rights and sustainable economic growth. According to Kamau, clients increasingly demand that law firms demonstrate their commitment to ESG principles, and this impacts the way legal services are provided and evaluated. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities that ESG presents for young lawyers. Kamau advises young legal professionals to get a deep understanding of ESG concepts, recognise their relevance to different legal fields, and adopt a sustainable-outcomes approach when dealing with client issues. Continuous learning and mentorship also play a vital role in navigating ESG demands. Kamau suggests that law firms prioritise training and collaboration to equip lawyers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively address ESG-related challenges. The episode concludes with a call to action for legal professionals to embrace ESG as a critical component of their practice, emphasising the need for a proactive and informed approach to ensure that businesses can thrive while contributing positively to society and the environment.
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