What this life looks like
You represent society's interest in justice. Prosecutors present the state's case against people accused of crimes, ensuring that those who harm others face accountability under the law. It is a role of enormous public trust and responsibility — and in Africa, where corruption, gender-based violence, and organised crime require vigorous prosecution, skilled state counsel are critical to the rule of law.
What she actually does
You review police dockets and evidence, decide whether to charge a suspect, prepare the prosecution case, present evidence and examine witnesses in court, make legal arguments to judges, respond to defense challenges, recommend sentences, and handle the full spectrum of criminal matters from petty theft to murder to financial crimes.
Where you can work
| Sector | Places in Africa |
|---|---|
| National Prosecution | Director of Public Prosecutions (all African countries), National Prosecution Authority (SA), EFCC (Nigeria) |
| Anti-Corruption Agencies | EFCC/ICPC (Nigeria), Anti-Corruption Commission (various African countries), EACC (Kenya) |
| International Tribunals | International Criminal Court (ICC), ICTR, African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights |
| Specialised Units | Financial crimes units, gender-based violence units, environmental prosecution units, cybercrime units |
Why it matters in Africa
Tackling corruption, gender-based violence, and organised crime are among Africa's most pressing governance challenges — and effective prosecution is central to all three. The International Criminal Court's Africa cases, national anti-corruption prosecutions, and the fight against terrorism all require prosecutors of the highest calibre and independence.
Your pathway in
- Study Law (LLB) with a focus on criminal law, evidence, and procedure
- Complete professional legal training and be called to the Bar
- Apply to national prosecution authorities through competitive recruitment processes
- Build expertise in a specialisation: financial crimes, gender-based violence, environmental crime, or anti-corruption
- Maintain absolute integrity — prosecutorial independence is non-negotiable
Skills you will need
- Criminal law and procedure
- Evidence assessment
- Witness examination
- Legal writing and argumentation
- Ethical independence
- Case management
A woman in this field
Fatou Bensouda
The Gambia
Fatou Bensouda is a globally recognized Gambian lawyer who has spent decades at the forefront of international criminal prosecution. She served as the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) from 2012 to 2021, becoming the first woman and first African to lead the institution. Before her international career, she served as the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of The Gambia, where she was the chief legal advisor to the state.
Take your first step
- Research the work of the National Prosecution Authority in South Africa or the EFCC in Nigeria — their annual reports show the scale and complexity of prosecution work
- Study what the International Criminal Court (ICC) does and how African cases have shaped international criminal law
- Follow the work of African anti-corruption commissions — Transparency International publishes excellent resources on corruption prosecution
- Learn what the National Director of Public Prosecutions is and how prosecutorial independence is protected under your country's constitution