Kudos!

Big Kudos to our sisters at the ACGC (African Corporate and Government Counsel Forum) Cynthia Lareine Nankunda Katangaza for pulling off this high quality, content rich conference. The Panel discussion subjects, expertise/experience on show, were spot on for the times that we are in; from compliance, instilling that solid culture of doing the right things, to the energy sector and related ESG considerations that demonstrate the seriously shifting times we are in, with how best to position ourselves top of the agenda. And then there is the dreaded subject of dispute resolution and how to effectively manage the risks and these days, how best to finance the instigation or defence of a case (third party funding).

Importantly, there were focus points on our humanity, as it manifests in the work place, our relations within those spaces, and what qualities are now required of those providing professional services. The effects of the pandemic was of course central to these discussions. From the deliberations, it appears settled that the work place will never be the same again, and whilst the flexibility of work at the office or at home is now set in stone, we are cautioned to strike the right balance for not only specific work situations, but for individual personal circumstances. The ever increasing blurred lines between home and the work place is a very real issue.

Technology and its impact on work and life is a must subject these days and this was covered in depth and naturally, the conclusion seemed to be that we must embrace it, but must equally remember to develop human centred approaches to what ever is being deployed. And that thought process extends to how we go about choosing tech in the first instance: is it a fait accompli? or is this an inclusive process, that enhances the chances of employee buy-in, for example? In the final analysis, it seems that all agreed that technology must serve humanity, not the other way round; and with Africa's demographic, this is all the more relevant.

And as for the various keynote addresses, they were quite simply top drawer, which in summary, as I see it, focused on three key areas: (1) The practicality of African Unity via trade and finance, with the AfCFTA being the centre piece. We were blessed by the vision, knowledge and passion of Petina Gappah, Joseph Ifebunandu and Enga Kameni Ph.D on the subject matters; (2) The journey of leadership via a wonderful conversation between Cynthia Lareine and Sheila Braka Musiime; and, (3) Building key relevant partnerships, particularly in relation to driving excellence in the delivery of services. Toyin Ojo provided fantastic insights into the African Legal Support Facility's role, workings and successes it has been enjoying with governments across the continent.

But it did not end with great discussion. There was then the nuts and bolts of a day and half of technical legal training. This was delivered by someone I personally regard as a truly committed friend to the continent of Africa, Malcolm Dowden and Joseph Ifebunandu. Listening to Malcolm breakdown the nuances of contract drafting is always a great lesson on how to make the complex simple; and with Joseph guiding the ship toward addressing the peculiarities faced within African focused transactional activity, this was a potent combination that clearly the audience, live and virtual, appreciated; the flow of questions and answers flying back and forth was testament to this.

As you can see, the HiA Network was fully engaged at this conference and we cannot wait to build on this relationship and many more. A big thank you to the organisers for providing us with the opportunity to play the role of Media Partner and many thanks to the speakers and to the attendees for making the experience for us a very wholesome one.

The African Legal Support Facility??African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank)?Africa Finance Corporation?Clifford Chance?Stephenson Harwood LLP?Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP?ALP NG & Co?Odujinrin & Adefulu?Detail Commercial Solicitors?Copley Partners?Nigerian Bar Association?Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA SBL)?Reuters Events?Adeola Olumeyan?Allan Rwakakooko MBA?Babatunde Irukera?Catie Sheret?Chinwe Odigboegwu, FCIArb?Collins Aziken?Dan Kayne?Darshani Parsuramen Angot?Debola Falade?Doris Tembwe?Jide Adesokan?Joseph Tolorunse?Kamal Shah?Kayode Oladipo?Leah Molatseli?Malcolm Dowden?Mirian Kene Kachikwu?Mr Muhammad Sani Muhammad?Obinna Ukonu?Olakunle Ogedengbe?Olakunle Olusanya?Olamide Oladosu?Oluwatoyin Araromi, CAMS, CCEP-I Ozim Ifeoma Obasi Ridwan Oloyede SESAN SOBOWALE Seye Kosoko Sola Dosunmu Titilayo Okoye Toyin Ojo Tunde Simoyan