East Africa 2026
Supported by the Association of Corporate Counsel
Company secretary and director of legal services | Kenya Airways
Regional general counsel and company secretary | Africa Global Logistics
General counsel and chief compliance officer | Trinity Metals Group
Head of litigation, prosecution and legal advisory | Uganda Communications Commission
Director, legal and corporate affairs | Petroleum Authority of Uganda
Group vice president, deputy managing director and general counsel | TDB Group
Head of legal, compliance and corporate affairs, company secretary | Hima Cement
General counsel and group data protection officer | WPP Scangroup
Head of legal and regulatory affairs, East and West Africa | Liquid Intelligent Technologies
Head legal, corporate and investment banking | Stanbic Bank (Tanzania)
General manager, corporate services and company secretary | MTN Rwandacell
The role of the modern General Counsel has never been more consequential. Across East Africa, corporate legal leaders are navigating increasingly complex business environments while helping their organisations respond to rapid technological, regulatory and economic change. In doing so, they have cemented their position not only as trusted legal advisers, but as influential voices within the highest levels of corporate leadership.
It is therefore a privilege to present the third edition of Legal 500’s GC Powerlist: East Africa, a recognition of the exceptional in-house counsel who continue to raise the standards of the profession throughout the region. This year’s research has once again highlighted the remarkable breadth of talent within East Africa’s in-house legal community. The lawyers featured in this publication represent leading organisations across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Malawi, reflecting the diversity, and growing influence of the region’s legal profession. While operating in different markets and sectors, they share a common ability to combine legal expertise with commercial acumen, strategic vision and strong leadership.
This year’s research has once again highlighted the remarkable breadth of talent within East Africa’s legal community. The lawyers featured in these pages represent a diverse range of sectors, jurisdictions and organisations, yet they share a common ability to combine legal expertise with commercial acumen, strategic vision, and strong leadership. Whether supporting regional expansion, managing regulatory challenges, driving governance initiatives, or helping businesses embrace innovation, they play a central role in shaping the success of their organisations.
One of the most striking observations from this year’s research is the growing prominence of legal departments as business partners. General counsel are increasingly involved in conversations that extend far beyond legal risk, contributing to decision-making on growth, investment, transformation, sustainability and organisational culture. Their influence continues to expand as executive teams seek guidance in an era marked by uncertainty and opportunity in equal measure.
At the same time, East Africa remains one of the continent’s most dynamic regions for business and investment. As markets mature and organisations become more interconnected, legal leaders are being called upon to navigate cross-border challenges, evolving regulatory frameworks, and emerging technologies, all while maintaining the highest standards of governance and ethical leadership. The individuals recognised in this edition have demonstrated an outstanding ability to meet these demands and deliver meaningful impact.
The GC Powerlist: East Africa 2026 celebrates not only professional excellence, but also the resilience, innovation, and dedication that continue to define the region’s in-house legal community. We are proud to honour the achievements of those featured and grateful to everyone who contributed to this year’s research process.
Finally, we extend our sincere thanks to ENSafrica for its continued support of this publication and its commitment to recognising excellence within the in-house legal profession across East Africa.
Congratulations to all those included. Your leadership and achievements continue to strengthen the profession and inspire the next generation of legal talent across the region.
Francisco Faria e Castro, Senior Research Editor, GC Porfolio team
Last week, Legal 500 had the absolute pleasure of celebrating the launch of the GC Powerlist Canada 2026. With the skylines of Toronto and Vancouver as our incredible backdrop, we gathered at DLA Piper’s offices in both cities with some of the most prestigious names in the country’s in-house legal community.
Behind those names, titles and recognitions are exceptional professionals who, over the past year, have demonstrated remarkable resilience, a commitment to innovation, and an impeccable understanding of what it means to be a good leader in a profession that is under constant pressure and change.
During the evening, Carmen Godoy, lead editor of this year’s GC Powerlist Canada, welcomed attendees and shared the findings of this year’s research. Throughout the past year, key themes emerged, including resilience in the face of uncertainty, the responsible integration of AI into the legal function, and the growing strategic role of the general counsel within the business.
What stood out most during the research was how the legal leaders recognised in this year’s Powerlist understand that the lasting impact of their achievements must be grounded in a leadership style that always puts people first.
During our events, Russel Drew, Partner and CEO at DLA Piper Canada in Toronto, and Brian Hiebert, Partner at DLA Piper Canada in Vancouver, also shared words of encouragement and gratitude, recognising the important and valuable contributions that our powerlisters make to their organisations and to the broader legal profession.
We would like to thank DLA Piper for its support in fostering these opportunities to bring together the in-house legal community around the world.
And to our powerlisters, congratulations on a truly well-deserved recognition. It was a great pleasure to host you and learn more about your experiences and achievements. Thank you for being part of our GC community, and we hope to see you again soon.
Carmen Godoy Martin – Lead editor GC Powerlist Canada 2026.
