Co-founder and Managing Partner Nana Adjoa Hackman discusses how Africa Legal Associates is strengthening its expertise, embracing technology, and expanding its impact to support clients and shape the future of legal practice in Africa.

What do you see as the main points that differentiate Africa Legal Associates (ALA) from your competitors?

ALA is a law firm committed to continuous evolution. As the global legal landscape expands and shifts, we embrace a forward-thinking approach to delivering solutions that align with modern trends and our clients’ unique needs. Our team consists of individuals who excel in their main practice areas, while maintaining the versatility to navigate multiple areas of practice as well. Our flexible structure fosters both specialization and cross-disciplinary growth, enabling seamless collaboration and enhancing overall efficiency. This ensures that clients receive the highest quality service. Guided by our motto, “We get it done,” we go the extra mile to deliver results tailored to each client’s specific requirements.

In addition, ALA has a strong pan-African focus which enables us to integrate our knowledge of ECOWAS, AfCFTA, and other key African markets into tailored legal solutions for our clients. As West Africa and the broader continent become increasingly interconnected, we offer a unique blend of local insight and international expertise to navigate cross-border transactions, market expansion, and regulatory complexities. Through strategic partnerships with leading law firms and corporate entities across Africa, we continue to strengthen our continental presence. Our collaboration with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the Africa Prosperity Network in organizing the Africa Prosperity Dialogues underscores our dedication to shaping Africa’s legal and economic future.

ALA is also the only law firm in Ghana accredited as a member of the Commonwealth Legal Network and a strategic partner of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC). These affiliations expose us to key business and investment opportunities across the Commonwealth and beyond, which turn benefit our clients who work in those areas. With partners in the firm assuming leadership roles within these organisations, ALA is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of international business and provide unparalleled value to its clients.

Another thing that sets ALA apart from other law firms is our strong commitment to training and mentoring the next generation of legal and business professionals. We actively invest in capacity building through in-house workshops and training programs designed to equip our associates with the skills needed to excel in an evolving legal landscape. Beyond internal training, our associates volunteer as judges for the Jessup Moot Court Competition, demonstrating our dedication to legal education and advocacy, while ALA’s role as a sponsor of the competition underscores our broader commitment to nurturing future legal talent. Additionally, we play an active role in community engagement through Drive to Inspire - Africa, where our associates contribute to the NGO’s mission through mentorship, participation in outreach programs, and providing guidance to young people to enable them to reach their full potential.

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

Over the 12 months, we anticipate significant growth in several key practice areas within our firm, driven by evolving regulatory landscapes, economic shifts, and strategic opportunities across Africa, as well as internal efforts to bolster our capabilities through targeted expertise development, strategic partnerships, and capacity building to better serve our clients.

Firstly, we expect Pan-African legal practice to see significant growth, driven by the ongoing implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). As more businesses expand beyond their home markets, legal services that facilitate trade liberalization, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions will be in high demand. A key driver will be the removal of trade barriers, which would in in turn increase the need for legal expertise in structuring deals, resolving commercial disputes, and navigating the AfCFTA’s investment protocols. Additionally, as regional economic blocs integrate further, businesses will require comprehensive legal strategies to operate seamlessly across multiple African markets. Our strategic partnerships and continuously expanding knowledge of AfCFTA protocols position us as a key legal advisor for businesses navigating trade liberalization, investment regulations, and market entry strategies across Africa. In addition, our continued engagement with the AfCFTA Secretariat and other policy-making bodies ensures that we remain at the forefront of cross-border trade and investment advisory services.

We also anticipate significant growth in our ESG advisory serves as businesses, investors, and regulators increasingly prioritize sustainability, governance, and social impact. Companies will require legal support in environmental compliance, corporate governance, risk management, and ESG reporting to align with both local regulations and international standards. The expansion of ESG frameworks in mergers, acquisitions, and investment decisions will further drive demand for due diligence and compliance services. Additionally, the enactment of the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124)—which replaces the Environmental Protection Act, 1994 (Act 490)—introduces the Environmental Protection Authority with expanded regulatory powers and establishes the Ghana Carbon Registry to promote carbon credit trading and climate action. As businesses adapt to these changes, ALA’s extensive knowledge in Ghana’s legal landscape and global ESG trends ensures we can effectively guide them in integrating sustainable practices and responsible governance into their operations.

Ghana remains a prime destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), and international investors often require support when entering or expanding within African markets. With AfCFTA unlocking new investment corridors, we anticipate growing demand for legal services in M&A transactions, private equity deals, and cross-border joint ventures. In addition, the recent change in government, will undoubtedly bring shifts in economic policies and regulatory frameworks, making legal advisory services essential for investors navigating new policy landscapes. ALA’s expertise in this area makes us an ideal legal partner for foreign investors, institutions, and multinational corporations, ensuring that these businesses are compliant with local laws and requirements.

Finally, as we continue to expand our team and enhance our capabilities through continuous training and professional development, we anticipate steady growth across all our practice areas. By investing in specialized expertise, technology-driven solutions, and strategic knowledge-sharing, we are strengthening our ability to deliver innovative, efficient, and client-focused legal services.

What's the main change you've made in the firm that will benefit clients?

ALA has partnered with Africa Law Practice Nigeria (ALPNG), a full-service law firm headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, and other Law firms in East and Southern Africa to form the ALP International Practice Group (ALPi). ALPi has presence in Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, Namibia and Ghana. This collaboration enhances our cross-border capabilities, enabling us to provide seamless legal services across multiple jurisdictions. Through this alliance, we offer clients expanded access to legal expertise, regulatory insights, and strategic advisory services, particularly in areas such as corporate transactions, dispute resolution, and investment advisory within the African market. By leveraging our combined networks and resources, we are well-positioned to support businesses navigating regional expansion, complex legal frameworks, and emerging opportunities under AfCFTA.

Additionally, we have developed and operationalised a bespoke Practice Management Software. The software was designed to enhance the efficiency and productivity of our legal team and administrative staff by streamlining the management of legal briefs. It does this by it allowing team members to upload documents and other relevant information unto a secure platform which is accessible from anywhere and is password-protected. This allows for more effective collaboration, easier storage, as well as real-time tracking of progress, enabling partners and management to identify and resolve potential issues proactively, thus ensuring that all aspects of client representation are managed efficiently.

We have also enhanced our data protection and cybersecurity measures to safeguard our clients' sensitive information. Through comprehensive training sessions and the implementation of robust security policies, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and data integrity. These initiatives ensure that our systems remain resilient against cyber threats, reinforcing trust, compliance, and the secure handling of client information across all our operations.

Furthermore, we have enhanced our website with features to improve accessibility and client engagement. The “ALA News & Updates” tab keeps clients, and the general public informed about recent events, firm initiatives, and upcoming activities of public interest. Additionally, we regularly upload recent Supreme Court judgments, making them freely accessible to promote legal awareness and support research. Our commitment to transparency and client engagement is further demonstrated through initiatives like our live chat function, which provides real-time assistance, and the publication of informative legal articles, offering valuable insights on emerging legal trends and developments.

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Technology plays a crucial role in how we interact with clients, and as technological advancements emerge, we integrate them to improve the client experience and streamline legal services.

One of the most significant benefits of technology is its ability to enhance communication and accessibility. Beyond traditional methods such as emails, phone calls, and text messages, tools like video conferencing have revolutionized client interactions, reducing the need for in-person meetings while ensuring urgent matters are promptly addressed. At ALA, innovations such as a live chat function on our website and regular updates on our social media platforms provide clients with seamless, real-time access to our team from anywhere in the world. These tools ensure that clients stay informed about firm events, legal insights, and key updates without needing to visit our offices physically, making legal support more convenient and responsive than ever before.

Additionally, advancements in legal research and due diligence have significantly improved the speed and accuracy of legal work. AI-driven tools and online databases offer efficient alternatives to labour-intensive manual searches, providing lawyers with access to vast libraries—both local and international—within seconds. These technologies enhance legal analysis, allowing firms to deliver more comprehensive, data-driven insights. The ALA team leverages such tools to  conduct in-depth research, anticipate potential legal risks, and offer strategic guidance with greater precision. By streamlining due diligence processes, we help clients navigate complex regulatory environments with confidence and efficiency.

The implementation of a bespoke Practice Management Software has significantly enhanced productivity in our practice. This technology streamlines task management and ensures that responsibilities are clearly assigned and efficiently tracked. Supervisors can monitor progress in real time, facilitating timely completion of tasks and improving overall workflow. Additionally, the system enhances document storage and retrieval, reducing reliance on physical files and promoting a paperless work environment. By integrating these digital solutions, we not only improve efficiency but also foster a more sustainable workspace.

Technological advancements continue to drive the emergence of new areas of law, requiring specialized legislation to address new challenges that come with such developments. Our clients who operate in new areas such as such as cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, lean on our lawyers for legal advice in these uncharted territories. To be able to advise and assist our clients better on these matters, we have enhanced our own inhouse knowledge and understanding of these matters through training. Through a blend of technology and human expertise, we assist clients as they navigate these emerging areas of practice, providing tailored solutions to meet their evolving needs.

Finally, cybersecurity and data protection are non-negotiable in legal practice, given the vast amounts of sensitive client information law firms handle. Implementing robust measures—such as encrypted communications, multi-factor authentication, and secure cloud storage—ensures data remains protected. At ALA, we prioritize data security through continuous training and policy development, reinforcing our commitment to client confidentiality and the highest standards of professional integrity.

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

We recently advised a textile company exploring the possibility of expanding its operations to Ghana. Beyond providing legal advisory services and securing the necessary regulatory approvals, we took a hands-on approach to facilitate their market entry. Our team conducted physical groundwork, including identifying suitable business premises and representing the company in key meetings, as their executives had limited time in Ghana during the initial stages.

Before engaging us, they worked with another law firm but saw little progress. In a short period, we successfully renewed their outdated documents, obtained proper non-citizen identification for their representatives—enabling them to effectively conduct business in Ghana—and secured a suitable rental space. Our proactive support not only ensured compliance but also streamlined their transition into the Ghanaian market, demonstrating our commitment to adding tangible value beyond traditional legal services.

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms - where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Yes, clients want stability and strategic direction from their law firms. Clients seek out firms with a proven track record, deep expertise, and a commitment to tailored solutions. They value firms that provide long-term security and act as a shield against both present and future legal challenges, minimizing the risks associated with switching legal representation. Institutional clients, in particular, prefer firms whose values align with their own, fostering strong, enduring relationships. At ALA, our ability to retain clients stems from our solid legal foundation, clear strategic direction and forward-thinking approach, ensuring that we not only meet their current needs but also anticipate and navigate future challenges effectively.

Over the next three years, we envision ALA as a trusted partner for our clients' legal needs. Our commitment to continuous development—both of our team and our service offerings—will drive our growth and reinforce our position as an industry leader.

Our long-term vision extends beyond providing exceptional legal solutions locally; we are actively pursuing strategic partnerships to establish ALA as a premier law firm both within Ghana and across Africa. By nurturing our strengths, fostering a culture of excellence, and mentoring the next generation of legal professionals, we are shaping a future of innovation and leadership in the legal industry.

By leveraging our expertise and resources effectively, we seek to build a legacy that transcends generations, and we continue to pursue our mission – to deliver successful solutions for our clients and to do so expeditiously with integrity and diligence, for our clients to trust us as worthy partners in achieving their goals.