East Africa 2025 – GC Powerlist
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East Africa 2025

Supported by the Association of Corporate Counsel

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Alice Nalwoga

Head Legal, Corporate and Investment Banking | Stanbic Bank Uganda

Financials

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Allan Franklin Rwakakooko

Head of legal services | Umeme

Energy and utilities

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Angela Mukora

Senior Legal Manager, Africa Operation Unit | Coca-Cola Central East and West Africa

Food

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Anne Abeja

Company Secretary and chief legal officer | Housing Finance Bank

Financials

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Annette Kahama

General Counsel & Corporation Secretary | AGRA

Food

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Austin A. O. Ouko

Company Secretary, and General Manager-Legal Affairs | Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen)

Energy and utilities

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Belinda Odera

General counsel | Serengeti Energy

Energy and utilities

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Benedicta Karimi Kiara

East Region Legal Coordinator | OLA Energy Group

Energy and utilities

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Bob Chris Maina Mwangi

Formerly Legal manager | Ola Energy Kenya

Energy and utilities

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Brenda Akinyi Aluoch

Head, legal, transaction banking, Africa & Middle East | Standard Chartered Bank Kenya

Financials

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Brice Manzi

Head Legal Services & Company Secretary | BPR Rwanda Bank

Financials

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Cynthia Opakas

Legal counsel | GreenMax Capital Group

Financials

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Dammary Etemesi Yvonne

Team Leader, legal, governance, risk and compliance | Zamara Actuaries, Administrators and Consultants

Financials

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Daniel Wandera

Group head of legal | Ramco Group

Consumer products

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David Karuhanga

Company secretary and legal advisor | BRALIRWA

Food

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Desmond Alexander Malyi

Company secretary | Absa Bank Tanzania

Financials

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Diana Nyakoto

Head of Legal & Company Secretary | Hima Cement

Materials and mining

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Dr. Davidson Mghanga Mwaisaka

Head of legal, Kenya and East Africa Cluster | Standard Chartered Bank

Financials

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Edwin Oscar Mhande

Head of legal and company secretary | Guaranty Trust Bank

Financials

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Elewa Apamaku

Legal manager | Uganda Development Bank

Financials

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Elisha Nyikuli

Head of legal and company secretariat | Access Bank (Kenya)

Financials

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Elizabeth Muro

Legal and Business Integrity Director | Serengeti Breweries

Food

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Elizabeth Njendu

East Market Area General Counsel | PricewaterhouseCoopers

Commercial and professional services

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Esther Gathoni Kariuki

Senior legal counsel | Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT

Non - profit

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Evelyn Gachanjah

Head of legal, wealth, retail banking Kenya and East Africa | Standard Chartered Bank Kenya

Financials

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Getachew Mengeste Wendemu

Chief Legal, Regulatory, and Corporate Governance Officer | Safaricom Ethiopia

Telecommunication services

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Gizachew Shiferaw Ejjigu

Legal country manager | Ethio Telecom

Telecommunication services

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Gloria Matovu Kawooya

Associate General Counsel | Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank

Financials

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Gloria Tengera

Company Secretary and general counsel | Development Bank of Rwanda

Financials

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Habil Anyanzwa Waswani

Director legal services/ regulatory compliance and company secretary | Kenya Airways

Transport and infrastructure

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Ibrahim Kitoo

Corporation Secretary & Director, Legal Services | Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA)

Energy and utilities

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Iddah Asin

Executive Director, Africa | International Council of Beverages Associations (ICBA)

Healthcare

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Isaac Kibere

Executive Head, Legal and Regulatory | M-Pesa Africa

Information technology

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Jacqueline Willbrod Kalaze

Head of legal affairs | Vodacom Tanzania

Telecommunication services

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Jimmy K. Mnene

General Counsel & Group DPO | WPP Scangroup

Commercial and professional services

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Joyce Munene

Head of Legal, Compliance & Company Secretary | Bamburi Cement

Materials and mining

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Julie Ojwaya

Legal Counsel | M-Pesa Africa

Information technology

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Keziah Chelangat Rutto

Regional Head, Legal & Company Secretariat- East Africa | Interswitch East Africa (Kenya)

Financials

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Landry Ndoli Subira

Senior lead counsel | Pawapay

Financials

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Lorna Solopian

General counsel | Pearl Dairy Farms

Food

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Loyce Bamwine

Director, Social Impact Investments | Equity Bank Rwanda

Financials

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Mark Turyamureba

Head of Legal and Regulatory Affairs/Company Secretary | ATC Uganda

Industrials and real estate

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Martin Kimani Gichia

Head of Legal East, Central & Southern Africa | Network International

Financials

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Max Manzi

Chief Governance and Legal Officer | aBi Finance

Financials

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Meimuna Abdullahi Mohamed

Head of legal and company secretary | Premier Bank Kenya

Financials

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Mercy Mutindi

General counsel and director compliance | Wasoko

Information technology

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Monica Joseph Mushi

Head of legal services & company secretary | Tanzania Mortgage Refinance Company

Financials

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Nannette W. Miingi

Group Company Secretary/Legal Counsel | Old Mutual Holdings

Financials

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Naomi Waringa Kiuna

Group Counsel & Lead Transactions Counsel | Ecobank Group

Financials

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Nega Mirete Yilma

Legal & regulatory affairs director, Ethiopia | JTI Ethiopia

Food

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Njeri Waitimu

Head of Legal & Company Secretary | DIB Bank Kenya

Financials

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Nyawira Kubi

Senior Manager - head of legal | MTC Trust & Corporate Services

Commercial and professional services

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Octave Ngenzi

Head of legal | Energy Utility Corporation (EUCL)

Energy and utilities

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Pascal Thomas Mihayo

Group head of legal services | CRDB Bank

Financials

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Pascaline Umutesi

Group Company Secretary | EPC Africa Group

Energy and utilities

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Patricia Nyokabi Mbugua

Head, Legal, Client Coverage, Corporate and Investment Banking | Standard Chartered Bank Kenya

Financials

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Paul Ainembabazi

Company Secretary & Head Legal and compliance | Jubilee Allianz General Insurance Company

Financials

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Paul Ndungi

Head of corporate & legal affairs | Industrial Promotion Services (Kenya)

Industrials and real estate

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Peris Wairimu Chege

Head, legal department | I&M Bank

Financials

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Regina Kajuju Anyika

Company Secretary and Director, Legal | HF Group

Financials

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Rita Evelyn Kabatunzi

Company Secretary | Stanbic Uganda Holdings

Financials

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Samuel M. Kibugi

Company Secretary | The Co-operative Bank of Kenya

Financials

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Sarah Cherop Teko

Head of Legal | TPS Eastern Africa (Serena Hotels)

Hotels

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Sarah Rubombora Kansiime

Company secretary | Eagle Air

Transport and infrastructure

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Sekou Owino

General counsel | Nation Media Group

Sports and media

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Sharon C.I Mazimhaka

General Manager, Corporate Services/ Company Secretary | MTN Rwandacell

Telecommunication services

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Susan Batuuka Kaggwa

Head of legal | Uganda Airlines

Transport and infrastructure

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Tesfaye Mazengia

Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs – Africa | Inchcape

Transport and infrastructure

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Tristan Minyati

General counsel and chief compliance officer | Trinity Metals Group

Materials and mining

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Victoria Lupembe

Head of legal and company secretary | Diamond Trust Bank Tanzania

Financials

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Wangechi Gichuki

Head of legal & secretarial services | Safaricom

Telecommunication services

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Waweru Guandaru Mathenge

Director, legal | Equity Bank Kenya

Financials

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Zainab Bachoo

Chief legal officer | Bulkstream

Transport and Logistics

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Agnes Nantongo Ssali

Legal director | Uganda Breweries

Food

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Angela Caramaschi

Head of legal | Shell Exploration and Production Tanzania

Energy and utilities

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Angela Padua Mutesi

Head of legal and company secretary | Ecobank Rwanda

Financials

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Beatrice Njeru

Head, legal - corporate & investment banking | Stanbic Bank Kenya

Financials

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Belinda Nganga

General manager - legal services | HFC

Financials

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Bonnie Okumu

Group general counsel | KCB Bank Group

Financials

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Brenda N. Magoba

Group company secretary and general counsel | The Centenary Group

Financials

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Candy Wekesa Okoboi

Head legal department | Stanbic Bank Uganda

Financials

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David M. Bamlango

Group Vice President, Deputy Managing Director, and General Counsel | Trade and Development Bank Group - TDB Group

Financials

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Doreen Gahongayire Karake

Head of Legal, compliance and regulatory affairs | Ruzizi III Energy

Energy and utilities

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Edward Ocen

Director legal and company secretary | Absa Bank Uganda

Financials

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Elizabeth Kimura

Senior Legal Counsel | International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Financials

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Emma Wachira

Company secretary & Chief Legal officer | Sanlam Kenya

Financials

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Ermias Abebe Addis

Manager, Litigation and Regulatory Affairs | Ethiopian Airlines

Transport and infrastructure

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Fred W. Waithaka

Head of Regulatory and Public Policy | Safaricom

Telecommunication services

Fred is a commercially savvy, pragmatic, and solutions-driven leader with over 20 years of experience spanning both corporate and private legal practice. He currently serves as Director, Regulatory Affairs and...

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Frida Shirima

Company Secretary and Head of Legal | KCB Bank

Financials

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Gail Akinyi Odongo

Director of Legal and Group Secretary | CIC Insurance Group

Financials

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Herbert Fyiroko

Company Secretary & Legal Advisor | Brassieres et Limonderies du Burundi Brarudi

Food

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Hilda Marigu Njeru

Director legal & group company secretary | Britam

Financials

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Innocent Kyakuha

Head, legal and company secretary | Centenary Bank

Financials

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Jacintah Akino

Legal and compliance manager, company secretary | Uganda Securities Exchange

Financials

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Jacqueline Onsando

Regional general counsel and company secretary | Africa Global Logistics

Transport and infrastructure

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Jesse Zigmund

Chief legal and risk officer | M-KOPA

Information technology

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John W. Nambale

Head of legal & company secretary | Exim Bank Uganda

Financials

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Judy Njeru

East and West Africa Region - Head of legal and regulatory affairs | Liquid Intelligent Technologies

Information technology

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Juliana Robert Kombe

Head legal, Corporate & Investment Banking | Stanbic Bank Tanzania

Financials

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June Opiyo

Incoming Head of Legal, Banking Group | Equity Group Holdings

Financials

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Kennedy Kaunda Abuga

General counsel | CBK

Financials

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Kennedy Ngugi

Head of legal and compliance | Jumia Group

Transport and infrastructure

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Lillian Mugo

Head of legal affairs | Airtel Kenya

Telecommunication services

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Mark Lavi

Executive head of legal, Kenya | American Tower

Industrials and real estate

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Melkam Shewafera Teklearegay

General counsel | EEIG Construction

Industrials and real estate

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Mercy Wairua

Senior legal counsel | GuarantCo

Financials

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Mical Agina

General counsel | Cold Solutions Services

Transport and Logistics

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Nadida Rowlands

Legal director | Diageo

Consumer products

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Nereah Aluoch Okanga

Legal counsel | Absa bank Kenya

Financials

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Niwaeli Mziray

Company secretary and head of legal | NCBA Tanzania

Financials

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Olaf Mumburi

Legal & regulatory director | Vodacom Tanzania

Telecommunication services

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Paul Mutegi

Group head of tax & legal | Shop and Deliver

Information technology

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Pepe Carrillo

Group General Counsel | Sand Technologies

Information technology

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Philo Nyadoi Elizabeth

Head legal and company secretary | UAP Old Mutual Insurance Uganda and Old Mutual Investment Group Uganda (OMIG)

Financials

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Reine Kamagaju

Company Secretary | Rwanda Energy Group

Energy and utilities

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Rita Mwangi

Chief People and Legal Officer | Simba Corporation

Transport and infrastructure

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Ruth Mabele

General counsel | Rubis Energy Kenya

Energy and utilities

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Ruth Muasya

Legal Manager | Victoria Commercial Bank

Financials

Ruth Muasya is an accomplished legal professional with over 12 years of experience in corporate and commercial law, banking and finance, regulatory compliance and corporate governance. She currently serves as...

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Shamim Nambuusi

Head legal/ Company Secretary | United Bank for Africa

Financials

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Stella Keshubi

Head legal and company secretary | Standard Chartered Bank

Financials

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Steve Atenya

Head of legal | NCBA Bank Kenya

Financials

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Waeni Ngea

Head of legal & compliance BAT East & Southern Africa | British American Tobacco

Food

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Walarick Nittu

Country Head of legal and compliance & company secretary | Standard Chartered Bank, Tanzania

Financials

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Wambui Kosgey

Chief legal and governance officer, africa | Prudential

Financials

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Zipporah Msagha

Legal Counsel, Central & East Africa Markets | Mondelēz International

Food

It is with great pride that we present the second edition of the Legal 500 GC Powerlist: East Africa. Following the success of our inaugural edition, we have once again embarked on an extensive research initiative to spotlight the region’s most accomplished general counsel and senior in-house lawyers. 

This year’s Powerlist reflects a legal landscape that is both vibrant and transformative. Across East Africa, general counsel are not only protecting their organisations but also steering them into new frontiers. Our research revealed that in-house lawyers are increasingly recognised as strategic partners, actively contributing to organisational growth and decision-making. As Daniel Wandera, group head of legal at Ramco Group, told us, “Legal is now seen as a value enabler, not just a compliance function.” 

Equally, we found counsel adapting to an environment of rapid change, navigating digital disruption, ESG compliance, cross-border deals, and the fast-moving integration of AI into business processes. As Peris Wairimu Chege, head of legal at I&M Bank, observed, “Companies should adopt AI and integrate legal tech, and legal teams should be equipped to advise on AI risks.” 

Beyond their legal expertise, the individuals recognised in this year’s edition demonstrate remarkable leadership, collaboration, and influence. They are not only trusted advisers but also business enablers and industry shapers. Patricia Nyokabi Mbugua of Standard Chartered Bank reflected on this evolution, noting, “This ‘get-in-early’ approach has earned us the reputation of being business enablers.” 

Taken together, these stories show us that East Africa’s general counsel community is driving change far beyond the legal department. They are shaping business strategy, guiding innovation, and influencing society at large. We are honoured to recognise these outstanding professionals whose insight, resilience, and leadership continue to inspire. Their work not only strengthens their organisations but also builds the foundations of a robust in-house legal culture across East Africa. A special thanks to our sponsor ENSAfrica who has contributed to making this edition a reality. Congratulations to all listed in the GC Powerlist East Africa 2025! 

Melissa Yebisi
Editor
Legal 500

GC Summit: Brazil 2025

The Legal 500 Brazil Forum gathered a distinguished cohort of legal professionals, business leaders, and regulatory experts for a full day of thought leadership, collaboration, and strategic dialogue in São Paulo. As Brazil enters a new chapter of regulatory transformation and economic complexity, the forum provided a timely and comprehensive platform to examine the legal developments shaping the country’s business environment—both domestically and in the global arena.

The day began with a warm welcome from The Legal 500, who underscored the forum’s mission: to foster meaningful discussions around the critical legal and commercial shifts currently defining Brazil’s future.

Opening the programme was a compelling panel focused on the intersection of intellectual property and data protection, supported by Lefosse Advogados. Drawing lessons from the life sciences, data infrastructure, and technology sectors, the session explored how these once-separate domains are now deeply intertwined, and how legal departments must adopt integrated strategies to manage risk and drive innovation. Speakers highlighted the pressing need for future-proofed governance structures capable of withstanding regulatory volatility and technological disruption.

The conversation then moved into the fast-evolving world of artificial intelligence in corporate investigations. In a session shaped by Iokoi advogados, panellists examined how AI is transforming evidence gathering, fraud detection, and legal analysis. The use of advanced technologies to enhance investigatory efficiency and minimise human error was a central theme, with participants calling for careful balancing between innovation, privacy, and ethical oversight.

Demarest Advogados supported the following panel, which tackled one of the most significant legal shifts in recent Brazilian history: tax reform. With the country undertaking a sweeping overhaul of its tax regime—including the consolidation of indirect taxes into a VAT-like system—speakers analysed both the immediate and long-term implications for businesses. The discussion was grounded in practicality, focusing on compliance readiness, corporate restructuring, and the transitional challenges that in-house legal teams must now navigate.

In collaboration with TozziniFreire Advogados, the spotlight then turned to agribusiness, a sector at the heart of Brazil’s economy. This panel addressed the pressing challenges posed by both tariff and non-tariff trade barriers, with particular attention to environmental compliance, traceability, and international market access. While regulatory constraints were a recurring concern, the session also explored how these challenges can give rise to new opportunities for innovation and market differentiation within the sector.

After the lunch break, the agenda resumed with an urgent and timely session on crisis management, presented with the support of Veirano Advogados. From product recalls and data breaches to regulatory probes and environmental incidents, panellists drew from real-world experience to build a 360-degree framework for crisis readiness. Prevention, internal communications, stakeholder management, and reputational recovery were all addressed, providing legal leaders with a strategic toolkit for navigating high-stakes scenarios.

The final panel of the day, held in partnership with Cascione Advogados, explored strategic planning in an increasingly competitive and uncertain landscape. Against a backdrop of tax reform, global trade frictions, and shifting political alliances, the discussion centred on risk mitigation, adaptability, and long-term value creation. Speakers shared how legal teams can play a proactive role in shaping business strategy amid regulatory upheaval, turning legal foresight into competitive advantage.

As the event came to a close, guests gathered for drinks and canapés—an elegant and convivial end to a day marked by rich dialogue, expert insight, and meaningful connection.