Looking forward, what trends do you foresee in the legal landscape over the next 5–10 years that companies should prepare for?

Looking ahead, the legal landscape in East Africa will be increasingly shaped by digitisation, sustainability regulations, and regional integration. We can expect growing attention on data protection, ESG compliance, tax harmonisation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and a more assertive approach by regulators toward corporate accountability. In-house legal teams must proactively anticipate these shifts, not only to manage risk but to drive ethical, sustainable growth across borders.

Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?

One of the most unique and rewarding experiences in my career has been transitioning across diverse, high-impact industries – from aviation to healthcare and now leading policy and legal strategy for Africa at ICBA, a global non-alcoholic beverage association. At Johnson & Johnson, I helped shape public-private partnerships for pandemic preparedness and mental health, representing the company at forums such as the World Health Assembly. Now at ICBA, I have the privilege of engaging African governments, multilateral agencies, and global brands to advance health-conscious regulation and responsible industry practices. This intersection of law, public policy, and multistakeholder collaboration has defined my professional journey.

How does your team contribute to the overall business strategy of the company?

Throughout my career, I have positioned the legal function as a strategic enabler of business. At Johnson & Johnson, I led cross-functional legal-policy strategies that supported market access, stakeholder engagement, and risk mitigation. In my new role at ICBA, I continue to build regional advocacy platforms, ensure regulatory alignment, and support members on compliance and governance priorities across the continent. Rather than operating in silos, legal is fully integrated into organisational decision-making – from stakeholder management to policy development.

How are you bringing the legal department closer to your business colleagues?

Bringing the legal department closer to business colleagues starts with trust and relevance. I invest in demystifying legal frameworks, offering commercially sound counsel, and aligning legal insights with the broader mission. Whether it’s simplifying regulatory language for business teams or embedding legal considerations into public affairs strategies, I strive to make legal a trusted advisor – not a gatekeeper. My goal is to foster a culture where compliance, ethics, and innovation go hand in hand.