What this life looks like
You are the legal brain behind Africa's biggest deals. Corporate Lawyers advise businesses on mergers, acquisitions, contracts, financing, regulatory compliance, and governance. As Africa's corporate sector grows and cross-border transactions multiply, corporate lawyers who understand both African and international legal frameworks are extraordinarily valuable.
What she actually does
You draft and negotiate commercial contracts, advise on mergers and acquisitions, structure financing transactions, guide companies through regulatory approvals, advise boards on governance obligations, manage legal risks in business operations, and represent company interests in commercial disputes. You are both a legal adviser and a strategic business partner.
Where you can work
| Sector | Places in Africa |
|---|---|
| Top Tier African Firms | Aluko & Oyebode (Nigeria), Bowmans Africa, Webber Wentzel (SA), Coulson Harney (Kenya), AELEX (Nigeria) |
| Magic Circle Firms (Africa) | Clifford Chance Africa, Linklaters Africa, Freshfields (SA/Nigeria), Allen & Overy Africa |
| Development Finance | AfDB Legal, IFC Legal, Afreximbank Legal — structuring complex development transactions |
| In-House Corporate | Dangote Group Legal, MTN Legal, Safaricom Legal — in-house roles with major African corporations |
Why it matters in Africa
The African Continental Free Trade Area, growing private equity activity, and the expansion of multinational companies into African markets are all driving demand for expert corporate lawyers. Every major business transaction on the continent needs lawyers who can navigate multiple legal systems, languages, and regulatory frameworks simultaneously.
Your pathway in
- Study Law (LLB) at university with strong academic results — corporate law firms recruit competitively
- Pursue a master's in Commercial Law (LLM) or an MBA for the most competitive positions
- Secure a training contract or pupillage at a leading corporate law firm
- Develop expertise in corporate finance, M&A, or a high-growth sector such as fintech or energy
- Consider international qualifications: New York Bar, England and Wales Solicitor — for cross-border practice
Skills you will need
- Contract drafting and negotiation
- M&A due diligence
- Regulatory compliance
- Corporate governance
- Commercial acumen
- Cross-border legal knowledge
A woman in this field
Funke Adekoya
Nigeria
Funke is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and one of West Africa's most respected corporate and commercial lawyers. A partner at AELEX, one of Nigeria's leading law firms, she has advised on some of the most significant corporate transactions in Nigerian and West African history. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a leading voice on commercial dispute resolution in Africa.
Take your first step
- Research what the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) designation is — it is the highest recognition for Nigerian lawyers and tells you what the profession values
- Study a recent major African corporate transaction — read about a merger or acquisition in the African business press and consider what legal work it required
- Learn what due diligence means in a corporate transaction — it is one of the core skills of a corporate lawyer
- Follow Bowmans, Aluko & Oyebode, and AELEX on LinkedIn to understand what African corporate law practice looks like