Legal team size: 43 including 23 qualified lawyers and 20 non-lawyers.

What country you are based in? Tanzania, but we also have subsidiaries in Burundi and Congo.

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

We are currently operating in highly uncertain times, driven by geopolitical tensions. Recent conflicts involving India and Pakistan, Russia and Ukraine, and Iran and Israel, along with the shocking attacks on Qatar, present new risks to businesses and the global supply chain. Lawyers must now consider these risks when handling transactions that involve cross-border elements. Furthermore, these tensions are likely to lead to increased sanctions, making it essential for businesses to implement robust sanction screening measures.

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

Working at CRDB Bank Plc has provided me with a range of challenging and unique experiences that have greatly contributed to my professional growth. Some of the most notable experiences including leading the establishment of a subsidiary in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Navigating the complex legal framework and overcoming language barriers were significant challenges. This experience enhanced my ability to manage cross-cultural teams, work within diverse regulatory environments, and develop practical solutions to complex problems.

CRDB Bank was commissioned by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to establish the Cooperative Bank of Tanzania. This new bank was formed through the amalgamation of Kilimanjaro Cooperative Bank Limited, a cooperative bank, and Tandahimba Community Bank, a community bank, each previously operating under distinct regulatory frameworks, with CRDB Bank joining as a strategic investor. As lead counsel, we were involved throughout the process, including the establishment of the bank, securing regulatory approvals, and setting up a robust governance framework to ensure its long-term sustainability.

Recently, CRDB Bank successfully listed its green bond on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, marking a significant milestone for the Bank and for Tanzania’s financial sector. Being part of this process was a remarkable experience, involving coordination with international advisors, ensuring compliance with ESG standards, and navigating complex regulatory and listing requirements. It provided valuable exposure to cross-border capital markets and deepened my understanding of sustainable finance frameworks.

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

Sitting in EXCO and board meetings, where the overall strategy of the Bank is the top agenda, has exposed me to the Bank’s key priorities. As a result, my role is to ensure these priorities are effectively communicated to my team and to identify how we can best support the business during strategy execution. Additionally, we have a balanced scorecard tool that translates strategic priorities to the entire team.

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

We operate as the Bank’s in-house law firm and view our business colleagues as our clients. Therefore, we make every effort to understand their priorities and offer practical and timely solutions. At the same time, we remain open to constructive feedback in areas where we can improve.