Chairperson, 2026 Courtroom Mail 100(SHID) Selection Panel
After a meticulous and perfectly co-ordinated selection of the nominees, going through their individual profiles makes one proud to be an African female lawyer. Not only has this been an inspirational journey,but an exhilarating one. Celebrating these phenomenal women is truly fulfilling.
It is my greatest honour and pleasure to have worked with this year’s Courtroommail panel serving as the Chairperson.
My heartfelt gratitude goes to Courtroommail for selecting me as the 2026 Chairperson. Following in the footsteps of my predecessors Rehana Khan Parker( South Africa) and Maria Mbeneka( Kenya), I am truly humbled. My heartfelt gratitude also goes to the panelists, with special mention to Rachel C. Princewell from Nigeria, our 2026 Secretary whose hardwork and dedication is phenomenal. Her work ethic, ability to work as a team, and round the clock commitment is exceptional.
One of the highlights and most profoundly humbling aspect of this process is that the visionary and Founding Editor of this amazing project is Anthony Atata, an outstanding male lawyer from Nigeria. We appreciate you for your selflessness and devotion to celebrating the African woman through this project. Once again thank you Team, together we have achieved a tremendous milestone as we managed to list 95 worthy nominees.
As we wrap up the Women’s month, in commemoration of the International Women’s Day, I want to extend a hearty congratulations to the phenomenal women who made it to this year’s list of Courtroommail 100 2026 SHID( Super Heroes, Heroes, Influencers and Distruptors) most Influential and outstanding female lawyers in Africa.
Congratulations, makorokoto, amhlope, well done, keep soaring.
In no particular order, here is our 2026 Courtroom mail 100(SHID) most Influential African Female Lawyers:
- Hon Judge(Rtd)Joaquine Antoinette De-Mello: Tanzania
Joaquine Antoinette De-Mello, a retired Judge of the High Court of Tanzania and, immediate past Chairperson of Tanzanian Women Judges Association (TAWJA) & Past Vice Chair, Judges and Magistrates Association of Tanzania (JMAT). Holder of both LLB Honours &, Masters in Business Administration (International Trade and, Business)
Ms. Joaquine holds various prominent positions such as First Woman President of the Bar (Tanganyika Law Society), Executive Director of Tanzania Women Lawyers Association, Commissioner- Commission for Human Rights and, Good Governance, First Chairperson of the Legal Service Facility, Chairperson, Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition, currently Chairing the Independent Grievance Mechanism (IGM) for Petra Diamonds Plc UK/Williamson Diamonds Limited (WDL) aka Mwadui Mines.
Ms. Joaquine’s Notable and Publications include Tanzania Gender Bench Book on Women’s Rights – Lead Consultant 2019 (website); International Legal Assistance Consortium (ILAC) – Justice in Rwanda: An Assessment 2007 (website); Advocating for Good Governance & Accountability in East Africa – Best Practises; Opportunities & Challenges to Enhance Partnership for International & Regional Reporting; New Technologies & Gender in the Judiciary; Human Rights and Business – Tanzania’s Perspective (website)and Child Marriages (IAWJ Auckland) – Unconstitutional – Gyumi’s case (website)
Her previous Awards and Honors include HERSTORY, Gender Trailblazer Award by WiLDAF 2025; Life Time Achievement Award by Tanzania Women Judges Association 2023; Recognition as First Woman President Award by Tanganyika Law Society 2024, Seventy (70) years Celebrations; 2012 – Woman of Courage Award by the American Government, US Embassy Dar Es Salaam; Life Time Achievement’ Award in 2012 by the TanganyikaLaw Society for Outstanding Service to the Profession and the Community at large (Founder of Legal Aid Day Legacy during my Presidency tenure); 2008 TLS Award for ‘Dedication and Commitment’ as the First Woman President of the TanganyikaLaw Society, the Bar of the country of United Republic of Tanzania and Honorary Membership Award Outstanding EALS Council member, Deputy Secretary General & Chair of EALS Land Acquisition Committee
LEGACY: Legal Aid Pioneer/Champion and, founder of Legal Aid Day by Tanganyika Law Society.
2. Justice Kanyange Fidélité- Rwanda
Justice Kanyange Fidélité is a distinguished judicial leader with over three decades of experience in the administration of justice across Rwanda and Burundi. She currently serves as a Judge at the Court of Appeal of Rwanda, a position she has held since 2018. Prior to this appointment, she served for fifteen years as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Rwanda (2003–2018), contributing significantly to the development of jurisprudence at the highest level of the judiciary.
Justice Kanyange began her legal career as a Judge at the Intermediate Court (Tribunal de Grande Instance) in Burundi and later served as a Legal Advisor at the Ministry of Public Service in Burundi. Upon relocating to Rwanda, she held the position of Head of the Legal Department at Banque Commerciale du Rwanda (now I&M Bank Rwanda) before practicing as an advocate under the Rwanda Bar Association from 1997 to 2003.
Throughout her career, she has undertaken extensive professional training in mediation, international criminal law, human rights in the administration of justice, taxation law, judgment writing, and electronic case management systems, including international judicial training in The Hague. She is a Certified Mediator and a member of the Superior Council of the Judiciary since February 2022.
Justice Kanyange holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from the University of Burundi. She is fluent in Kinyarwanda and French, with strong proficiency in English. Her career reflects an enduring commitment to judicial excellence, integrity, and the rule of law in the region.
3. Justice Barke Mbaraka Aboud Sehel– Tanzania
Justice Barke Mbaraka Aboud Sehel is a trailblazing jurist and distinguished leader in Tanzania’s judiciary, renowned for her integrity, expertise, and commitment to advancing justice and gender equity. She currently serves as a Justice of the Court of Appeal of Tanzania, where she presides over complex appellate matters and contributes to shaping the country’s legal landscape. Her legal journey began with a Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B. Hons) from the University of Kent at Canterbury, U.K., in 1996, followed by a Master of Laws (L.L.M.) in Petroleum and International Law from the University of Dar es Salaam in 2008. This strong academic foundation has underpinned her specialization in commercial, petroleum, and international law.
Over the course of her career, Justice Sehel has held several high-profile positions, including Judge in Charge of the Commercial Court at the High Court of Tanzania, Judge of the High Court in Dodoma and Dar es Salaam, and Director of Contracts and Treaties at the Attorney General’s Chambers. Earlier in her career, she served as a State Attorney, gaining extensive experience in criminal prosecutions and civil litigation. Her leadership has also extended to regulatory and quasi-judicial bodies, notably as Chairperson of the Fair Competition Tribunal and member of the Mining Advisory Board.
Beyond the courtroom, Justice Sehel is a passionate advocate for women in the legal profession. As Chairperson of the Tanzania Women Judges’ Association (TAWJA), she has spearheaded transformative initiatives, including championing the nationwide celebration of International Women Judges Day. Under her stewardship, this commemoration has grown into a widely recognized event embraced not only by the judiciary but also by the broader public. She has been an active member of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) since 2014 and continues to amplify the voices of women in law through mentorship, advocacy, and policy engagement.
Her contributions to legal scholarship include authoring a chapter in “African Upstream Oil and Gas: A Practical Guide to the Law and Regulation” (2015), reflecting her expertise in energy and international law. Justice Sehel is also a member of the Tanzania Women Lawyers’ Association (TAWLA) and the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN), underscoring her influence across diverse legal and professional networks. Fluent in English and Kiswahili, with working knowledge of French, Justice Sehel combines linguistic versatility with strong computing and analytical skills essential for modern judicial practice. She embodies the values of judicial integrity, inclusiveness, and innovation, standing as a role model for the next generation of legal professionals in Tanzania and beyond.
4.Hlaleleni Kathleen Dlepu– South Africa
Hlaleleni Kathleen Dlepu– is the founder and executive director of Molefe Dlepu Incorporated, the longest running black woman owned legal practice in South Africa. With a career spanning at least 35 years, Ms Dlepu has been a champion for transformation and gender equity in the legal profession. She has supervised and admitted more than 30 women attorneys and continuously mentors young women attorneys. Her areas of practice include civil litigation, public and administrative law, family law, insolvency, compliance and regulatory law, conveyancing, and notarial practice.
Her career highlights also include her tenure as secretary general of the Black Lawyers’ Association, a council member of the Law Society of the Northern Provinces, co-chairperson of the Law Society of South Africa and the first chairperson of the Legal Practice Council. She currently serves as a commissioner in the Judicial Services Commission, a tribunal member of the Companies Tribunal, a tribunal member of the Ekurhuleni Municipal Planning Tribunal, and a member of the Legal Sector Council.
Ms Dlepu co-founded Basadi ba Molao with Advocate Anthea Platt, SC in 2019. The vision has been to assist women in law through mentorship and guidance, to provide a robust support system, and to shed light on the injustice and discrimination in the legal profession. Ms Dlepu continues to mentor and train young women lawyers with half of her current staff contingent being under the age of 35.
5. Dr Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote- Nigeria
In January 2026, Dr Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote became the first woman to head the Nigerian Law School since its establishment in 1962.
She serves as the primary liaison between the school, the Council of Legal Education, the Body of Benchers, and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
She obtained her LL.B. degree from Obafemi Awolowo University and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988.
She holds an LL.M from the same university, specialising in company and commercial law.
She later obtained a PhD in Law from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom, with research interests in Public Law and the administration of justice.
Odusote joined the Law School in 2001 as a lecturer. Since then, she has served in various capacities, including as head of the academic department, director of academics and head of campus.
During her career at the Law School, she was a visiting scholar at Nottingham Trent University in the UK for a short time.
Odusote has published extensively in reputable local and international law journals and has presented papers at numerous legal education conferences.
She also served on committees of the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Bar Association.
6.Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo- Ghana
Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo is the Deputy Chief of Staff, Finance and Administration at the office of the President of Ghana. She was called to the Bar in 1992 and is 33 years at the Bar.
She is also a board member of the World Bank Advisory Council for Partnership for Economic Inclusion.
Hon. Addo served as the first Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, where she oversaw several landmark reforms in human rights protection, women’s empowerment, governance, and the inclusion of vulnerable groups.
She led the creation of a formal social protection system for Ghana ; the adoption of the Ghana Household Registry; the first ever in West Africa; the promulgation of the National Standards for Disability-friendly Public Buildings; and the first-ever closure of a witch camp in Northern region.
As Cabinet Minister, she led the adoption of five key policies including the Gender Policy, Social Protection Policy, Child and Family Welfare Policy, Justice for Children Policy and the School Feeding Policy. She was also instrumental in promulgation of the Children Amendment Act 2016, and the
current Affirmative Action(Gender Equity) Act 2024
At the regional level she became the ECOWAS Chair for West African Ministers of Gender and Social Development. As ECOWAS Chair, she led the adoption of a number of gender policies.
Earlier in her career, she worked with civil society as Regional Coordinator of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, Africa Office, Human Rights Advocacy Centre, where she played a pivotal role in advocacy that led to landmark legislation such as the Right to Information Bill, Domestic
Violence Act, Human Trafficking Act, and the Disability Act. She also contributed to the adoption of the African Union Protocol on the Rights of Women (The Maputo Protocol).
She was awarded the Vera Chirwa prize for the best human rights lawyer in
Africa in 2007.
7.Professor Irene Dione N. Fokum Sama‑Lang– Cameroun
Professor Irene Dione N. Fokum Sama‑Lang is a Professor and Lecturer at the University of Buea, Cameroon. Pioneer Head, Department of public Law and public administration at the University. She is Cameroon’s most accomplished legal scholars and academic leaders, a woman whose career has defined excellence in legal education, shaped national discourse on justice and governance, and transformed the lives of thousands. With more than three decades of service to the legal profession, she stands as a towering figure whose intellectual contributions, leadership, and mentorship have left an indelible mark on the legal landscape of Cameroon.
Professor Sama‑Lang’s academic foundation is anchored in rigorous international training. Her academic journey began at the University of Buckingham, England, where she earned both her LL. B (1992) and LL.M in International & Commercial Law (1993), grounding her in a tradition of rigorous legal scholarship. She later completed her Ph.D. in Law at the University of Buea (2012), a milestone that propelled her into the highest ranks of academia.
Her professional ascent within the University of Buea is marked by steady and meritorious progression. Beginning as a Part‑time Lecturer in 1994, to her elevation as Professor of Laws in 2022, her professional rise reflects exceptional merit, discipline, and scholarly authority. Today, she serves as the Pioneer Head of the Department of Public Law and Public Administration, where she has led transformative reforms, strengthened academic governance, and shaped the intellectual direction of the department.
Professor Sama‑Lang’s influence in legal education is profound. She has played a central role in designing LL.M and Ph.D. Programs, restructuring departmental syllabi, and contributing to national curriculum reforms that have modernized legal training in Cameroon. Her leadership has elevated academic standards and ensured that legal education in Cameroon meets the demands of a rapidly evolving society.
Her impact, however, extends far beyond institutional development. Over the course of her career, Professor Sama‑Lang has taught more than 10,000 students, many of whom now serve as judges, lawyers, magistrates, policymakers, and academics across the country and abroad. Her classroom has been crucible for intellectual discipline, ethical grounding, and professional excellence. She is widely celebrated not only as a lecturer but as a mentor and coach whose guidance has shaped the personal and professional journeys of countless individuals. Through her mentorship, she has helped students and young professionals discover their purpose, refine their ambitions, and make informed career choices that align with their strengths and values. Her mentorship is often described as life‑shaping, combining intellectual rigor with compassion and a deep commitment to human development. Her ability to nurture talent with both firmness and compassion has made her a trusted guide and a life‑shaping influence.
As a scholar, Professor Sama‑Lang has produced a body of work that has significantly shaped national and international discourse on labour law, gender justice, land governance, and socio‑legal reforms. Her books including Employment Relations in Cameroon (2022) and The Security of Private Service Employment in the Post‑Economic Crisis Period of Cameroon (2017) are authoritative texts that continue to inform legal scholarship and policy development. “Sama-Lang, I.F., Employment Relations in Cameroon…”
Her research on women’s land rights, labour protections, and community forestry has been widely published in peer‑reviewed journals and has contributed to major international research projects funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada.
Her scholarship is distinguished by its depth, clarity, and social relevance. She writes not merely to analyze the law but to illuminate the lived realities of women, workers, and marginalized communities. Her work has influenced policy debates, informed advocacy efforts, and strengthened the legal frameworks that govern land rights, labour relations, and community development in Cameroon.
Professor Sama‑Lang’s commitment to society is equally remarkable. She has been an active participant and organizer in national and international conferences addressing gender‑based violence, decentralisation, peacebuilding, and democratic governance. Her engagements with institutions such as the Ministry of Justice, MINPROFF, UN Women, and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation reflect her stature as a respected public intellectual whose voice carries weight in matters of national importance.
Her community service is anchored in her leadership roles with organizations such as FIDA, WIVADEV, and the Yanou Foundation, where she champions women’s empowerment, legal awareness, and social justice.
A respected evaluator and academic gatekeeper, Professor Sama‑Lang serves as a Scientific Expert to the Inter‑University Consultative Committee (CCIU), where she assesses promotion files, scientific reports, and publications for quality and integrity.
Her role as Editor of UB‑JASS further underscores her commitment to research excellence and ethical scholarship.
Professor Irene Dione N. Fokum Sama‑Lang is, without question, a woman of exceptional intellect, courage, and service. Her legacy is not only written in books and academic programs, but it also lives in the thousands of lives she has shaped, the institutions she has strengthened, and the legal reforms she has influenced.
Professor Irene Dione N. Fokum Sama‑Lang stands as a beacon of excellence, a trailblazer for women in academia, and a pillar of intellectual and moral leadership. Her life’s work spanning education, research, mentorship, advocacy, and community service continues to shape institutions, empower communities, and inspire generations. She embodies the qualities of a woman of valour: intellectually formidable, socially engaged, ethically grounded, deeply committed to national progress, a model of leadership, and a source of inspiration for women across Africa and beyond.
8.Nobulawo Martha Mbhele- South Africa
Nobulawo Martha Mbhele is a South African judge who is currently serving as Deputy Judge President of the Free State High Court. She was first appointed to the court as a judge in January 2016 and was elevated to the deputy judge presidency in July 2021. Before she joined the bench, she was an attorney in the Free State, both in private practice and for a decade at Legal Aid South Africa.
She was admitted as an attorney on 8 March 2001, towards the end of a year-long stint as the coordinator of the Thusanang Advice Centre in Phuthaditjhaba. In April 2001, she entered practice with ten months as an attorney at Peete Mosese Incorporated, where she primarily handled commercial law, labour law, and family law matters. She was also a part-time lecturer at the Free State Technikon from 1999 to 2002.
For a decade between 2002 and 2012, Mbhele worked at Legal Aid South Africa. She joined the organisation as an associate attorney in Phuthaditjhaba in February 2002; was promoted to supervisory associate in April 2005; and then moved to Welkom at the end of 2005 to become an executive in the organisation’s Justice Centre, where her main practice areas were labour law, criminal law, family law, and land matters. In 2009, she became one of Legal Aid’s regional operations executive.
Throughout her legal career, Mbhele was an active member of the Black Lawyers Association, which she joined as a candidate attorney in 1996. She rose through the ranks of the organisation, serving two terms as the chairperson of its Free State branch from 2006 to 2010 and one term as the organisation’s national treasurer from 2011 to 2013.
9.Mokgoba Grace Mafa-Chali- South Africa
Mokgoba Grace Mafa-Chali Grace serves as an Acting Judge of the Labour Court in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. She is a distinguished South African legal practitioner, dispute resolution specialist, and jurist based in Polokwane, Limpopo. With a career spanning nearly three decades, she has established herself as one of the most experienced and versatile legal professionals in the country, with expertise cutting across private legal practice, government service, labour dispute resolution, and the judiciary.
Grace holds a B.Proc (1994), LLB (1996) from the University of Limpopo and an LLM withspecialisation in Labour Law (2004). She is also a qualified Assessor, Mentor, and Coach, reflecting her commitment to both professional excellence and the development of others in the field.
Grace commenced her legal career as a Candidate Attorney with Legal Aid South Africa in September 1996, where she was admitted as an Attorney in October 1997. Following her admission, she practiced as an Attorney with Legal Aid South Africa until August 1998. Her career took a significant turn when she joined the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, where she served as Assistant Director of Mineral Laws from August 1998 to March 2001, before being promoted to Deputy Director of Mineral Laws, a position she held from April 2001 to March 2003. This period gave her a strong grounding in regulatory and public sector law.
In April 2003, Grace joined the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration
(CCMA) as Provincial Registrar for the Limpopo Province — the beginning of what would become an illustrious career in dispute resolution spanning more than two decades.
She was appointed as a Commissioner at the CCMA Limpopo in May 2006, a role she held until September 2013, before being elevated to Provincial Senior Commissioner, a position she occupied from October 2013 to September 2019. In recognition of her outstanding leadership, she was appointed Acting National Senior Commissioner for Operations at the CCMA Head Office in Johannesburg from May to October 2018.Since October 2019, Grace has served as a Part-Time Senior Commissioner at the CCMA, where she continues to contribute her extensive expertise to the resolution of complex labour disputes. Over her career at the CCMA, she has developed deep specialisation in Collective Bargaining, Wages, Retrenchments, Organisational Rights, Demarcations,Essential Services, Employment Equity, and Discrimination matters.
Grace’s reputation as a skilled arbitrator and mediator extends well beyond the CCMA. She currently serves as a Part-Time Senior Panellist for a broad range of accredited Bargaining Councils, including:• South African Road Passenger Bargaining Council (SARPBAC), Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC), Public Health and Social Development Sectoral Bargaining Council (PHSDBC), Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council (MEIBC), General Public Service Sector Bargaining Council (GPSSBC),National Bargaining Council for Wood and Paper Sector (NBCWPS), Motor Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO), Tokiso Dispute Resolution Private Agency
In May 2021, Grace established her own firm, M G Mafa-Chali Attorneys Incorporated, based in Polokwane, where she serves as Attorney and Director. The firm provides a comprehensive range of legal services encompassing contract law, commercial law, civil law, criminal law, and labour and employment law, serving both individual and corporate clients.
A testament to her exceptional standing in the legal profession, Grace has been serving as an Acting Judge of the Labour Court in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, since June 2024 one of the highest honours that can be conferred upon a legal practitioner in South Africa.
Since October 2025, Grace has served as Chairperson of the Essential Services Committee at the CCMA Head Office in Johannesburg, further cementing her role as a national leader in labour law and dispute resolution.
Beyond her adjudicative roles, Grace is an accomplished CCMA Trainer and Facilitator, with particular expertise in dispute prevention and workplace outreach. She has facilitated and trained extensively in workplace transformation interventions, building workplace relations, managing conflict in the workplace, and effective negotiation skills for employers, trade unions, and advice officers across both the private and public sectors. Legacy and Impact, with more than 22 years of hands-on experience in dispute resolution — encompassing conciliations, mediations, arbitrations, and facilitations — Mokgoba Grace Mafa-Chali stands as a pillar of South Africa’s labour law landscape. Her career reflects a remarkable combination of legal scholarship, public service, institutional leadership, and a deep commitment to justice and fair workplace relations.
10. Justice Esi Malaika Schimming-Chase – Namibia
Justice Esi Malaika Schimming-Chase is a Judge of the Supreme Court of Namibia.She is the first female permanent member of the Supreme Court of Namibia. She is the first to be elevated since Namibia’s independence in 1990.
The appointment took effect on 1 March 2026.
In 2017, she became the first black Namibian woman to be appointed a senior counsel by the Namibian society of Advocates.
Schimming-Chase served as a Judge of the High Court. She also served as an acting Judge of the Supreme Court, to which she was first appointed in April 2023.
Before her elevation to the Bench, Schimming-Chase practised as a member of the Society of Advocates from 2003 to 2021.
She obtained her LLB in 1992 from Coventry University in the UK and was called to the Bar in Middle Temple, London in 1994.
She was admitted as a legal practitioner in Namibia in 2002 and joined the Namibian Bar in 2003.
11. Matshego Jacqueline Ramagaga- South Africa
Matshego Ramagaga is the founder and director of Matshego Ramagaga Attorneys. A qualified senior practising attorney with thirty years’ experience. She commenced practice under the name and style of Matshego Ramagaga Attorneys in April 1991 and continues to serve as such to date.
Ms Ramagaga served the Department of Justice from 1983 to 1989, serving first as the public prosecutor in both the district and regional courts for three years, and then as Magistrate of the district criminal courts and civil courts respectively. As a prosecutor she gained vast experience in the field of investigations, her functions included giving investigations guidance to the police in preparation for a solid case for prosecution. As a magistrate she presided over a wide range of cases and thus gained a wealth of experience in litigation matters.
She served as an acting judge in the High Court of South Africa: Pretoria Division, Johannesburg Local Division and the North Division during the period 2003 to 2011. She has been serving as a member of the Investigating, Disciplinary and Mediation Committee of the Legal Practice Council since 2019. She has been a member of Companies Tribunal from 2011 to date. Her functions include mediation, arbitration and adjudication of companies’ disputes.
Ms Ramagaga is a member of the Black Lawyers’ Association – Legal Education Centre training faculty. She has been involved with the centre from around 1990, initially as a trainee and later as a trainer. Her responsibilities include developing the training curriculum on different areas of Law and trial skills, as well as training candidate attorneys and legal professionals on effective trial skills and techniques, motion proceedings in the High Court and Insolvency Law.
12. Yogambal Cyndi Naicker -South Africa
Yogambal Cyndi Naicker is a Legal Practitioner and Conveyancer with over two decades of experience in the legal field and has always had a strong commitment to serving and uplifting her community and facilitating their access to justice.
She is a compassionate attorney specializing in Family Law and Property Law and considers herself to be a jack of all trades in the legal field.
She is currently one of the Directors at Nolan Naicker & Company Inc.
She serves on various boards and organizations, such as the Chatsworth Legal Circle, The South African Women Lawyers Association and the National Association of Democratic Lawyers in executive roles.
She loves contributing to initiatives which provide legal support to vulnerable communities, especially women and children. Sitting as a Trustee in non-profit organizations like the Fingerprints of Love and Imisebe Yelanga Babies Home helps her fulfill her passion in uplifting these communities. She proudly helps and assists local charities and housing forums.
Outside of her professional work, she values her faith, family, and years of service teaching Sunday school, travelling and outdoor activities.
She often addresses senior citizens, the stalwarts of our community, when called upon to provide pro bono legal advice to them by community leaders or the organizations she belongs to.
Her personal characteristics are notable in that she is empathetic, altruistic, responsible, organized, and supportive as a leader and mentor.
She enjoys litigation and loves appearing in various courts on behalf of her clients in trials and Family Courts, including Matrimonial Matters, Child Custody and Domestic Violence and various applications.
She serves a large community in Kwa-Zulu Natal from the Chatsworth to Umhlanga and cater to the needs of this community.
Notably she was the first women of colour to sit as a Board Member in the Mount Edgecombe Country Club Owners Association, and her role was to advise on all property related issues, compliance and conduct regulations.
Being appointed a commissioner of the Small Claims Court was another accolade to serve the community and dispense justice.
She is an activist by nature and am actively involved as Executive Member of South African Women Lawyers Association and currently serving as it’s Treasurer.
She is also an Executive Member of National Association of Democratic Lawyers (Nadel) and attends various advice desk projects and outreach projects with Nadel as well at student mentorship.
She has been an active Member of Black Conveyancer’s Association and is passionate about transformation in the conveyancing landscape in the involvement of black conveyancers on various panels with the banks that they were unable to access in the past.
In a community regarded as below the bread line, she was motivated to work hard and thrive and in sports and academics, and was Sports persons from 1984-1987; Awarded good fellowship award [1991]; Member of the SRC [1987-1990]; Chairperson of the Literacy Society Peer Group [1986-1990]; Member of Teenagers Against Drug abuse; and Member of the School Debate Team [1985-1989]
Aside from the academic aspect, community and social causes were always close to my heart and she was a Monitor in the April Elections [1994]; Sports Editor Dome Newspaper [U.N.D]; Certificate of Merit in Family Law; Class Representative for Accounting For Lawyers [1994], Delict [1993], Psychology 1A & 1B [1992]; Tutor for Commercial Law [1996]; Participated in Census as a Monitor [1996]
University of KwaZulu-Natal 1992 – 1995,Bachelor of Laws (LLB) University of KwaZulu-Natal 1996
13. Sesi Baloyi SC–South Africa
Sesi Baloyi is currently an advocate and senior Counsel in Victoria Mxenge Group of advocates. She was admitted as an attorney in 1997 and a member of the Bar in 2005. She worked as a researcher to Justice Albie Sachs at the Constitutional Court. Her specialities include Administrative Law, Commercial Litigation, Constitutional Law, Competition Law, Construction and Engineering, Employment and Labour law, General Litigation, and Local Government Law.
Baloyi rose to public prominence in her role on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), the body responsible for interviewing judge candidates, to which President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed her in 2022. Now appointed to the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, better known as the Madlanga Commission, It is now Baloyi’s job, alongside fellow commissioners to sift through the testimony and evidence presented at the commission and make recommendations that could lead to criminal prosecutions of some of South Africa’s most powerful figures.
14.Hon. Justice Latifa Mansoor Al Hinai- Tanzania
Latifa Mansoor Al Hinai is Judge of Appeal in the Court of Appeal of Tanzania. She has been working with the judiciary of Tanzania for 13 years. She also handled the Constitutional Cases in the High Court of Tanzania, Main Registry. In 2022, Judge Mansoor was appointed Judge of the Southern African Development Community: Administrative Tribunal (SADCAT) for four years representing Tanzania in SADCAT. Recently she was appointed Justice of Appeal in the Court of Appeal of Tanzania.
She is a holder of Bachelor of Laws (Hon.) from University of Dar es Salaam in 1993 and Masters in International Business Law (Distinction) from Manchester University in 1997/1998.
Latifa was a Partner and Founder of Latifa Law Chambers. Prior to that she worked with Price Water House Coopers in the Tax and Legal Department as the Legal Consultant from 1999 to 2003. She had earlier worked with Dar es Salaam City Commission as the City Solicitor and Mkono & Co. Advocates as the Legal Officer and an Advocate.
While in the employment Latifa has been involved in a wide range of assignments in the areas of policy development, mortgage perfection for banks, corporate financing, advises relating to loans and credit to individuals as well as to the financial institutions, corporate law, investment law, mining law, environmental law, and corporate secretarial and legal services.
She served as a Judge In-Charge in the High Court Mediation Center, High Court Tanga Zone and High Court Morogoro Zone from 2021 to the date of appointment to the Court of Appeal
As of recently, Latifa Mansoor Al Hinai, has been appointed by Her Excellence President Samia Suluhu Hassan to be the Justice of Appeal in the Court of Appeal of the United Republic of Tanzania since February, 2025.
15.Professor Grace Ogonda Akolokwu– Nigeria
Professor Grace Ogonda Akolokwu is a Professor of Property Law and Human Rights at the Rivers State University and Dean Faculty of Law, Rivers State University. A distinguished Professor of Law specialising in Property and Human Rights Law. A pioneer in her field, she holds the distinction of being the first female Professor of Law at Rivers State University, where she currently serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Law.
Professor Akolokwu’s academic journey is marked by a unique interdisciplinary foundation, beginning with a degree in Education and History from the University of Port Harcourt (1987) before transitioning to Law. She earned her LLB in 1999, followed by her admission to the Bar (BL) in 2001. She later obtained her LLM in 2006 and a PhD in Human Rights Law from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in 2017.
With over two decades of academic and administrative excellence, she has held pivotal roles, including Head of the Department of Private and Property Law and Coordinator of Postgraduate Programmes. Her teaching portfolio spans from undergraduate Equity and Trusts to PhD-level Secured Credit Systems. Beyond academia, she is an astute administrator, having managed Akolokwu & Co. (Arett Chambers) and served as a Member and Secretary of the Board for Rivers State Microfinance Bank Ltd.
An accomplished researcher, Professor Akolokwu has authored five scholarly books and published over 50 articles in reputable local and international journals. Her work focuses on the intersection of Property Law, Child and Gender Rights, and Customary Law. Outside the lecture hall, she is a committed social welfare crusader and a Knight of the Order of St. Mary (KSM). As the founder of WeProject Ede and the Egiland Ladies Forum, she remains dedicated to empowering women and the girl-child throughout the Niger Delta.
16.Prof Puseletso Letete- South Africa
Puseletso Letete is the Vice dean of teaching and learning at the university of Johannesburg. She is a full professor of law and Vice Dean: Teaching and Learning, in the Faculty of Law since 01 September 2022.
She lectures tax law at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Prior to this appointment at UJ, she had been appointed as a senior lecturer; an associate professor, and a full professor of Tax Law, at the University of South Africa (UNISA) where she lectured at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels; and supervised postgraduate students. She holds a doctoral degree (Tax Law) from the University of Edinburgh; a Masters in Commercial Law from the University of Cape Town; a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts in Law from the National University of Lesotho.
Her research interest includes Tax Law (specifically VAT Law), Tax Policy and Practice, Tax Administration, and International Trade Law. Puseletso has presented papers at national, regional, and international conferences. She is a member of the ATAF Women in Tax Network (AWITN).
From January 2017 to January 2020, she was appointed as the President of the Law Teachers for Southern Africa (SLTSA). In 2019 and 2020, she was invited by the National Council for Quality Assessment of Higher Education (CNAQ) in Mozambique to be a member of the Independent Evaluation Committee that has a mandate to evaluate Postgraduate Programs in Law (Masters and Doctorate) for prior accreditation submitted by higher institutions of learning. She was also invited to participate in the curriculum development of a Masters’ course in Fiscal and Customs Law at the Instituto Superior De Ciěncias E Educaçăo Aˋ Distancia (ISCED) in Mozambique in 2019. She has been a visiting lecturer at the University of Lusaka, Zambia – responsible for teaching in the LLM programme in law. Puseletso has held various visiting academic and researcher positions at: – the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (School of Advanced Study, University of London); the Asian Institute of International Financial Law (The University of Hong Kong); the Institute for Austrian and International Tax Law (WU Vienna, University of Economics and Business); Max Planck Institute of Tax Law and Public Finance (Munich) and Durham Law School (Durham University).
On 25 August 2021, Puseletso delivered her inaugural address titled Tax policy gap in Southern African countries: reflections on indirect tax coordination and tax diversity in SADC post Covid-19.
17. HON. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo– Uganda
Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo is the Principal Judge of the Judiciary of Uganda, a distinguished jurist and legal reformer with over two decades of experience in criminal justice administration, institutional leadership, and prosecutorial governance.
As Principal Judge, she provides overall supervision and administrative oversight of the High Court and its subordinate courts across the Country. In this capacity, she plays a central role in strengthening case management systems, enhancing judicial performance, promoting alternative dispute resolution, and advancing people-centred justice. Her leadership reflects a firm commitment to efficiency, integrity, accountability, and improved access to justice, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized communities.
Before her appointment as Principal Judge, Justice Abodo served as Director of Public Prosecutions of the Republic of Uganda, where she exercised constitutional authority over the management and control of criminal proceedings. During her tenure, she led significant prosecutorial reforms, strengthened regional and specialized prosecutorial structures ,issued key practice guidelines, promoted plea bargaining, enhanced gender-sensitive prosecutions, and championed institutional modernization. Her leadership contributed toimproved inter-agency collaboration, strengthened asset recovery mechanisms, and greater public engagement with the criminal justice system.
Earlier in her career, she served as a Judge of the High Court (Criminal Division), wherevshe presided over serious criminal trials and appeals, and acted as focal point for Plea Bargaining and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence within the Judiciary. Her judicial work reflected a strong emphasis on efficiency, victim protection, and balanced adjudication.
Justice Abodo’s professional journey began within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, where she rose through the ranks from State Attorney to Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions and Head of the Anti-Corruption Department. In these roles, she supervised complex corruption prosecutions, strengthened prosecution-guided investigations, coordinated asset recovery efforts, and represented Uganda in regional anti-corruption networks.
Beyond national service, she is an active contributor to regional and international justice initiatives. She serves in leadership roles within the International Association of Prosecutors and the Eastern Africa Association of Prosecutors, and has represented Uganda at high-level global forums on crime prevention, corruption, and transnational organized crime. Her work reflects a deep commitment to strengthening prosecutorial and judicial standards across Africa and globally.
Academically accomplished, she is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy and holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) from Trinity College Dublin, a Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies from Makerere University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, and a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University. She has undertaken extensive specialized training in anti-corruption, asset recovery, financial crimes, digital evidence, and international criminal cooperation.
Justice Jane Frances Abodo also stands out for being the first female Director of Public Prosecutions as well as the first female Principal Judge in Uganda. She is widely recognized for her principled leadership, reform-oriented mindset, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
As Principal Judge, she continues to champion a Judiciary that is efficient, responsive, ethical, and firmly anchored in service to the people.
18. Prof Roxan Laubscher- South Africa
Prof Roxan Laubscher is an associate professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Johannesburg. She holds a B.Com law degree, an LLB degree, as well as a master’s and doctorate in Constitutional Law from the University of Johannesburg. She has lectured constitutional law and human rights law at the University of Johannesburg since 2011. She is the editor-in-chief of the UJ Student Law Review (UJSLR) and acts as a reviewer on various other local law journals, including the Constitutional Court Review and De Jure. She has presented papers at various local and international conferences and publishes widely on topics in constitutional and human rights law. Most recently in 2025, she co-authored the second volume of a book, Landmark Constitutional Cases that Changed South Africa Volume 2, with Prof Marius van Staden from the University of the Witwatersrand. She is a member of the International Association of Public Law (ICON-S) and is currently Acting Director of the South African Institute of Advanced Constitutional, Public, Human Rights and International Law, a research centre of the University of Johannesburg.
19.Hon. Judge Rose A. Ebrahim- Tanzania
Hon. ROSE A. EBRAHIM is a Judge of the High Court of Tanzania since 2014 currently serving as Judge In-Charge – Morogoro High Court Sub-Registry – Zone. She has also served as a Judge In-Charge at Mbeya High Court Sub-Registry (South -Western Tanzania) between 2021 – 2023; and Mtwara High Court Sub Registry (South Eastern Tanzania) between 2023 – 2025 before moving to Morogoro.
Hon. Ebrahim is also a Chairman of the Fair Competition Tribunal (FCT) having been appointed by the President of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan in June 2025 to hold that position.
She holds LLB (Hons) from the University of Dar Es Salaam and LLM from the University of Warwick, England.
Judge Ebrahim started her legal career working with National Social Security Fund, followed by private practice with Leo Attorneys. She then worked with African Barrick Gold (Acacia Mining) before her appointment as a Judge.
She is currently a representative of the Judiciary of Tanzania in SADC Judicial Working Group on Transnational Wildlife Organized Crime since 2019. She is also a member of the Core Group of African Judicial Network (AJN) representing the Judiciary of Tanzania which is coordinated by CEELI Institute as part of the African Judicial Network project.
She has made a number of presentations within the jurisdiction including Admissibility of Electronic Evidence and Exhibits tendering, admission, management and disposal.
She has made various webinar presentations on Judicial Ethics organized with CEELI; assessment on the role of the judiciary in promoting environmental protection and climate justice as well as participating as a moderator in various virtual trainings within the jurisdiction.
She has equally attended various forums to mention but a few, Chief Justices Forum in Kigali, Rwanda 2021 representing Chief Justice of Tanzania on the rule of law and environmental justice for sustainable development in East Africa: national legal frameworks and emerging jurisprudence; the SADC judicial roundtable on wildlife trafficking – Botswana; and JICA Judicial Leadership Tarining – Cape town South Africa.
20. Enowmbi Egbemba Epse Ashuntantang– Cameroun
Enowmbi Egbemba Epse Ashuntantang is a Judge at the Buea Military Court, South West region, Cameroon and a Judge and examining magistrate at the High Court of Buea. She is a distinguished Cameroonian jurist whose career embodies excellence, integrity, and an unwavering devotion to justice. With a judicial journey spanning nearly two decades, she has become one of the most respected voices in Cameroon’s legal landscape an emblem of dedication, a model of judicial discipline, and an inspiration to women across the legal profession. Her journey from a young law student in Yaoundé to a respected Judge of the High Court of Fako Division and the Buea Military Court is a testament to resilience, excellence, and the transformative power of women in leadership.
Her academic path laid a strong foundation for her judicial calling. She earned her Bachelor of Laws in English Private Law from the University of Yaoundé II between 1999 and 2002, followed by a Maitrise in Law in 2002-2003. Driven by a desire to serve her nation through the justice system, she later completed professional judicial training at the National School of Administration and Magistracy (ENAM) in 2003 to 2005, solidifying her expertise in law and judicial administration.
Her professional career began in 2006 when she was appointed Deputy State Counsel in Buea, a role she held for six years. During this period, she developed a reputation for diligence, fairness, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the communities she served. Her prosecutorial work sharpened her understanding of criminal justice and strengthened her commitment to upholding the rule of law.
In 2012, she transitioned into full judicial service as Judge and Examining Magistrate in Mamfe and the High Court of Manyu, where she presided over a wide range of matters including criminal cases, civil disputes, family law, land conflicts, and commercial litigation. Her judgments were known for their clarity, depth, and respect for procedural fairness.
Her influence expanded significantly when she was transferred to Buea in 2014 as Judge and Examining Magistrate at the Court of First Instance and also appointed examining magistrate at the military tribunal a position she held until 2020. Here, she became widely recognized for her high‑quality, well‑reasoned judgments, decisions that strengthened public confidence in the judiciary and demonstrated her mastery of the law.
In 2020, she rose to two of the most demanding judicial positions in the region: Judge at the Buea Military Court and Judge and Examining Magistrate at the High Court of Fako Division, roles she continues to execute with distinction.
In these courts particularly in Buea, a hub of complex litigation she has presided over cases in some of the most critical fields of Cameroonian law, including:
•Criminal law and military justice, where she handles sensitive and high‑stakes matters
• Civil and commercial litigation, including contractual disputes and business conflicts
• Family law, addressing matrimonial causes and child welfare
• Land and property law, a major area of litigation in the region
• Human rights–related matters, reflecting her training and commitment to justice
• Electoral and administrative law, especially in her role overseeing election‑related disputes
Her courtroom is known for its discipline, fairness, and intellectual rigor. She has heard hundreds of cases and delivered judgments that are widely regarded as qualitative, well‑reasoned, and grounded in both legal principle and social justice. Her dedication to the truth, her passion for judicial service, and her commitment to ethical decision‑making have made her a respected figure among colleagues, litigants, and the communities she serves.
Beyond her judicial duties, Magistrate Egbemba has played a transformative role in strengthening Cameroon’s legal institutions. She has served as a trainer and evaluator of pupil magistrates, shaping the next generation of judicial officers with the same values of integrity and excellence that define her own career.
Her leadership extends into democratic governance. She has chaired Council Supervisory Commissions for municipal elections in Mamfe (2013) and Idenau (2020), and in 2025 she served as Judge in charge of litigation relating to the election of Regional Councilors, reinforcing transparency and credibility in the electoral process.
Her commitment to justice is further reflected in her extensive participation in national and international seminars and trainings. Over the years, she has engaged in programs on international human rights mechanisms, transitional justice, civil and political rights, gender‑based violence, maritime crime, victim and witness protection, OHADA enforcement, and humanitarian law, organized by institutions such as the United Nations, the Cameroon Ministry of Justice, and the International Federation of Women Lawyers(FIDA).
Her influence extends into legal scholarship through her work as Production Assistant for the SOWEMAC Law Report, supporting the documentation of jurisprudence and legal research.
Today, Magistrate ENOWMBI EGBEMBA Epse ASHUNTANTANG stands as a beacon of judicial excellence, and a powerful symbol of what dedication, passion, and integrity can achieve. Her career continues to inspire countless women in law, proving that with commitment and courage, women can rise to the highest levels of judicial leadership and shape the future of justice in Cameroon.
21.Justice Sedinam Awo Kwadam – Ghana
Justice Sedinam Awo Kwadam (Mrs.) is a Justice of the High Court of the Republic of Ghana and a distinguished legal mind with over 13 years of experience in the judiciary and legal practice. Known for her incisive legal reasoning, unwavering commitment to fairness, and significant contributions to legal scholarship, she has established herself as a forward-thinking leader in the Ghanaian and international legal communities.
Appointed to the High Court in October 2025, Justice Kwadam’s judicial career has been marked by a steady ascent through the ranks. She previously served with distinction as a Circuit Court Judge at both the Accra Circuit Court 7 and the Adentan Circuit Court 2, and began her tenure on the bench as a Magistrate at the Teshie Nungua District Court. Throughout her decade-plus on the bench, she has earned a reputation for delivering meticulously reasoned judgments that respect the rule of law and stand up to appellate scrutiny, all while managing a demanding caseload with exceptional efficiency and integrity.
Beyond her judicial duties, Justice Kwadam is a prolific legal scholar and a passionate advocate for legal reform. In 2025, she graduated as the Valedictorian of her master’s cohort at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), achieving a near-perfect 3.98/4.00 CGPA in her LL.M in International Criminal Law and Justice. Her academic excellence was further recognized with multiple accolades, including the Dean’s Excellence Award for the Best Graduate Student and the prestigious Fatou Bensouda Prize for the best student in her specialized program.
Her scholarship focuses on the intersection of international criminal law and domestic jurisprudence, with a particular emphasis on human rights, procedural fairness, and the modernization of Ghana’s legal framework. Her extensive list of publications demonstrates a fearless and critical engagement with pressing legal issues, from constitutional critiques of criminal disclosure regimes and contempt powers to analyses of environmental crimes under the Rome Statute and the implications of international justice for Africa. Her work has been described as both an “exposé and caution” and an “urgent call” for comprehensive legal reforms, reflecting her deep-seated commitment to justice and accountability at both a national and global scale.
Justice Kwadam is equally dedicated to the development of the next generation of legal professionals. She is a sought-after guest lecturer and facilitator, having addressed audiences at institutions such as Smith College (USA), UPSA Law School, and GIMPA Law School, as well as organizing numerous masterclasses and bootcamps for young lawyers. In October 2025, she delivered the keynote address at the 5th Annual Conference of the Federation of African Law Students (FALAS) at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where she was also honoured for her “Commitment to Justice and Youth Mentorship.”
Her leadership extends to key national legal bodies. She currently serves as a Member of the Governing Board for the Council for Law Reporting and a member of the Committee on the Localization of Legal Research Training Modules at the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), actively shaping the future of legal practice in Ghana.
With a strong educational foundation from the Ghana School of Law and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and enhanced by professional visits to the International Criminal Court (ICC), International Court of Justice (ICJ), and other international legal institutions in The Hague, Justice Sedinam Awo Kwadam embodies the highest standards of professionalism, intellectual rigour, and dedication to judicial service. She is not only a guardian of the rule of law but a vital force for its progressive and equitable evolution.
22. Dr Yvette Joubert- South Africa
Dr Joubert is a lecturer at the University of Johannesburg in the Department of Procedural Law. She was appointed to the faculty in 2013. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Law, as well as a Bachelor of Laws degree which she obtained at Wits University. She also holds an Master of Laws degree in Commercial Law, which she obtained cum laude. She obtained the prize for best student in Insolvency Law during her Masters degree. Dr Joubert has completed her doctoral studies in procedural law at UJ, and the topic of her dissertation was “Judicial case management as a tool to improve efficiency in the pre-trial process in civil trials”. Dr Joubert is an admitted attorney and practiced as a litigation attorney for 15 years, during which time she pursued and defended claims for personal injury damages in both the senior and junior courts. She has also contributed to the textbook Fundamental Principles of Civil Procedure (4th edition) by Theophilopoulos, et al. She is the chairperson of the Law Faculty Teaching and Learning Committee 2022. Dr Joubert’s areas of interest include delictual, insolvency, procedural and constitutional law. Her professional philosophy is that one must keep learning and acquiring new skills in order to remain relevant in the workplace and community. Her personal motivation is that challenges reveal opportunities for growth that may otherwise remain untapped.
23. Brown- Akagha, Ilanye Diane– Nigeria
Brown- Akagha, Ilanye Diane, is a Chief Magistrate Grade 1 of the Rivers State Judiciary, Nigeria. A consummate Legal Practitioner, Administrator, and Leader. She stands as a beacon of excellence, integrity, and dedicated service in the Nigerian Criminal Justice System, having made remarkable contributions to Public Administration, Judicial Development, and the Promotion of Justice and Accountability.
She obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) Degree from the Rivers State University (then known as the Rivers State University of Science and Technology) in 1991. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1993 after completing her professional training at the Nigerian Law School in Lagos.
Her career trajectory reflects an unwavering commitment to Justice and Institutional Efficiency. From her early years in private legal practice at Doye Olugbemi & Co., Soprinye Bell-Gam & Associates, and H. A. Bello & Co., she demonstrated an uncommon dedication and mastery of the legal profession. Her transition into the Rivers State Judiciary marked the beginning of an outstanding public service career defined by diligence, innovation, and leadership.
Currently serving as Chief Magistrate Grade I, Brown-Akagha, Ilanye Diane has presided over several Magisterial Districts — Ubima, Elele, Obio, Elelenwo, Rumuodomaya, Oyigbo, Elimgbu, Isiokpo, Rumuji, and Port Harcourt — where she has distinguished herself by delivering well-reasoned judgments and rulings anchored on law, equity, and fairness. She also served as Chairman of the Rivers State Local Government Election Tribunal in 2013, where her leadership and judicial prudence culminated in a landmark judgment rendered within the statutory timeframe.
She is the pioneer Secretary of the Rivers State Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council (ACJMC). In her current capacity as Secretary of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council in Rivers State, she has steered the State’s Administration of Criminal Justice with poise and discipline. She is instrumental in ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Rivers State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, No. 7 of 2015, by all the Criminal Justice Institutions in Rivers State. A feat she achieved by organising and facilitating regular training for Police Officers, lawyers, Judges and Magistrates, Registrars of Courts, Officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service and other Law Enforcement Agencies, on the novel provisions of the Rivers State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, No. 7, 2015 (ACJL). Her work has significantly advanced the objectives of Speedy Criminal Trials, Decongestion of Custodial Centres in the State, and Enhancement of Due Process across the State’s Justice Institutions. Her administrative insight and collaborative approach have strengthened inter-agency coordination among the Judiciary, Police, the Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and other Law Enforcement Agencies in the pursuit of enhanced justice delivery.
She is the brain behind the recently validated Web and Android Application Solution, tagged “The Rivers State Criminal Justice Management System (RSCJMS) which seek to enhance compliance with the provisions of the ACJL by reducing the bottlenecks encountered by criminal justice actors in carrying out their duties and at the same time afford the Council a window to seamlessly monitor compliance by the criminal justice institutions in real time. These achievements earned the Rivers State Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council (ACJMC) the award of the best ACJMC in Nigeria at the Annual Conference of ACJMC’s organised by the Federal ACJMC in 2022- a position the Council has maintained to date.
Beyond her Judicial and Administrative Accomplishments, Brown-Akagha, Ilanye Diane’s leadership has been equally impactful in her other duties. As Chairman of the Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria, Rivers State Branch (2015–2017), she pioneered innovative reforms — most notably the introduction of the ceremonial robe for Magistrates — a symbolic enhancement of dignity and identity in the judiciary and judicial ceremonies. Her contributions to the Civil Procedure Rules Committee in 2007 further underscore her commitment to the continuous improvement of judicial processes and institutional standards.
A woman of deep intellect and gentle strength, she exemplifies professionalism, discipline, outstanding leadership and a resolute commitment to public service. Her life’s work reflects a vision of justice rooted in fairness, firmness, integrity, teamwork and service to humanity.
Born in Port Harcourt to the family of the late Alabo (Rtd. Colonel) J. J. Brown, N/71, on 25th June 1967, Ilanye Diane Brown-Akagha is married to Mr Ikechukwu Joseph Akagha, and they are blessed with a lovely daughter, Akagha, Amanda Uzoaku Tamunogobofagha, a graduate in International Relations.
Her dedication to duty, attention to detail, pioneering spirit, and enduring contributions to the advancement of public administration and justice delivery in Rivers State and beyond are most deserving of this nomination.
24. Nellie Tiyago– Zimbabwe
Nellie Tiyago is a Partner at Scanlen and Holderness. She is a pioneering legal professional and the first female chair of Scanlen & Holderness, one of Zimbabwe’s oldest and most distinguished law firms. Her appointment in 2026 marked a historic milestone in the firm’s 130-year history, reflecting her reputation for excellence, vision, and commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. She is widely respected for her ability to translate complex legal and regulatory frameworks into practical, operational tools that empower boards, stakeholders, and operational teams. With deep expertise in Zimbabwean law, compliance frameworks, and governance, Nellie blends rigorous legal analysis with accessible communication, ensuring transparency, ethical compliance, and protection of public interests in every transaction. This historic appointment followed her earlier milestone—her inaugural election as President of the Harare Legal Practitioners Association in 2025
Nellie joined Scanlen and Holderness in 2004 after graduating from the University of Pretoria. She completed her conversion examinations in 2005, and in July 2008 she was appointed as a partner of the firm—an exceptional mid‑year elevation that made her the first and only individual to achieve partnership in such a remarkably short period.
Before enrolling at the University of Pretoria, Nellie worked at Barclays Bank of Zimbabwe in 1999. During her time at the bank, colleagues and supervisors encouraged her to join the Eagles Programme, designed for individuals identified as high‑potential future leaders in the banking sector. However, she chose instead to pursue university studies, driven by her ambition to become a leading commercial and corporate lawyer.
At the time of her appointment as Partner in 2008, she was the only woman in the partnership—an important milestone that underscores her commitment to advancing inclusivity and diversity within the firm. Today, the partnership reflects equal representation of women and men, a transformation influenced in part by her principled leadership and advocacy for gender balance
Around 2020, she proposed the creation of a programme designed for individuals who had stepped away from their professional careers—including those who had taken time to serve as full‑time caregivers—thereby expanding opportunities for reintegration into the workforce. Alongside her fellow female partners, she has also advocated for flexible, results‑driven working arrangements, reinforcing a culture that values output and inclusivity in equal measure.
Nellie Tiyago has extended her leadership influence beyond her firm through strategic appointments to both corporate and non‑profit boards. Her first board role, assumed in 2009 with MMC Capital Stockbrokers (Private) Limited, once again positioned her as a trailblazer—the first and only woman to serve on that board. The experience deepened her commercial and governance insight, enhancing the practical application of her legal expertise. Notably, in 2010 she served as the legal advisor for the pioneering UNTU Bond, an SME‑focused fundraising instrument designed with small, inclusive coupon structures; this listing became one of the earliest recorded on the Chengetedza Securities Depository.
During the period 2014-2017, Nellie served on various board including a mining company and an entity involved in wildlife and conservation. In 2017, she was appointed to the Stanbic Bank Board, becoming the youngest female board member of this international commercial bank at the time.
Nellie has contributed her expertise to national cultural and development initiatives through board service. In February 2019, she was appointed as a Trustee and is the current Chairperson of the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust, where she joined a distinguished team of professionals guiding the Fund’s mission to support arts, heritage, and cultural development in Zimbabwe. In this role, Nellie has provided legal and governance expertise, strengthening compliance and advancing inclusive cultural policies.
During the Covid‑19 pandemic, she was handpicked to join SOTZIM / Solidarity Trust Zimbabwe, a citizen‑led initiative mobilising national responses to the crisis. Although her primary profession is law, she was entrusted with the role of Finance Chairperson, reflecting confidence in her leadership and governance capabilities. Under SOTZIM’s collective efforts, significant funds were raised to equip St. Anne’s Hospital with essential, high‑quality Covid‑19 medical infrastructure—an achievement that facilitated the reopening of the hospital to the public after an extended closure of more than ten years.
She has served as a legal advisor on the boards of Barwick School and Living Stones School, and she currently sits on the board of Pioneering Health Group (PHG), where she provides strategic guidance on compliance, governance, and regulatory frameworks. PHG is a multi‑specialty medical group practice based in Harare, bringing together highly specialised doctors who deliver a comprehensive range of medical and surgical services within a professional, patient‑centred environment. Established in 2017, the group became fully operational in 2021, a transition strengthened by Nellie’s legal expertise. At a time when no regulatory framework existed for such a multi‑specialty medical practice, she played a pivotal role in helping the organisation navigate the legal and compliance landscape, contributing to its formal establishment in August 2021—the first structure of its kind in Zimbabwe.
During the period 2023 to 2025, Nellie also contributed to the advancement of sport nationally and within the region. In 2023, she was appointed to represent Zimbabwe in the review of the Confederation of African Athletes (CAA) Constitution and the Region 5 Review of Electoral Processes. That same year, she served as the Election Officer in Malawi when all seats in the Malawi Athletics Association were declared vacant. In 2024, she continued her service in the sector as a member of the Sports and Recreation Legal Committee.
Nellie Tiyago’s career reflects a distinguished blend of professional excellence, principled leadership, and unwavering commitment to service. From breaking barriers within one of Zimbabwe’s oldest law firms to shaping governance across corporate, nonprofit, cultural, and sports institutions, she has consistently demonstrated vision, integrity, and impact. Her contributions extend beyond legal practice—strengthening regulatory frameworks, championing diversity and inclusion, and supporting national development through strategic advisory roles. Affectionately called “Woman of the Firsts” by her colleagues Nellie continues to lead and inspire, Nellie embodies the qualities of a transformative leader dedicated to advancing her profession and her community. Looking for more “firsts”.
25.Anthea Platt, SC– South Africa
Platt is an advocate and senior counsel at Pitje chambers. She is also the Founder and Director of Basadi Ba Molao. She is an experienced Senior Counsel with a demonstrated history of working in the legal profession and governance for over 20 years. She has held numerous leadership positions, such as Deputy Chair of the Legal Practice Council, the Commissioner of the South African Law Reform Commission, Chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee of the Independent Regulatory Board of Auditors, and Group Leader of Pitje Chambers. In 2022, she started her position as the Minister’s delegate to the Legal Practice Council. Her experience extends to various advisory panels. She has built her career as a pioneer in fighting for transformation, which will bring equal opportunity for people of colour and gender equality.
She is a fierce defender and advocate of women’s rights. With her knowledge of the legal profession and experience as a professional female, she formed Basadi Ba Molao in 2019. The vision has been to assist women in law through mentorship and guidance, to provide a robust support system, and to shed light on the injustice and discrimination in the legal profession. She is committed to creating a community of support and stature in a predominantly male-driven industry – improving the environment where female leadership in the legal field can demonstrate their potential and growth.
She has served as an acting judge in both the Gauteng and North West Divisions of the High Court of South Africa. She sits as an arbitrator for AFSA and the LPC and is on the Tax Appeal Panel for SARS, where she adjudicates taxpayer appeals.
26.Prof Franaaz Khan- South Africa
Franaaz Khan is an Associate Professor and Head of Department: Private Law at the University of Johannesburg. She holds qualifications in Bachelors of Law (LLB) degree, a Master of Laws (LLM) degree and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Law from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Khan has been lecturing for more than a decade and also practiced as an attorney before joining academia. Khan practiced extensively as an attorney in criminal and civil law. Her research interests are in Criminal Justice, Business Law, Constitutional law and Education. She has also published articles in the South African Crime quarterly journal and De Jure focusing on criminal law. In addition, she has expert peer reviewed articles for journals such as the South African Mercantile Law Journal, Speculum Juris and De Jure. As an academic she has supervised and graduated candidates for the Degree of Master of Laws in Criminal Justice and Business Law.
27. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya SAN- Nigeria
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb, is a distinguished Nigerian lawyer, litigator, and arbitration expert recognized for her significant contributions to the legal profession. In 2025, she was elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), marking her as a leading figure in the legal community.
She is experienced in domestic and international dispute frameworks in dispute resolution and their workings. She represents private and state clients on a broad range of commercial transactions before trial and appellate courts in Nigeria and has been described as “a dogged, results-oriented barrister”.
Worked on major complex arbitration in the utilities sector as well as in international investment arbitration. Much sought after resource on International Arbitration & ADR matters and expert on regulatory compliance.
Active in the arbitration community having served on the executive committee of CIArb (UK) Nigeria Branch and currently sits on the Board of the Lagos Court of Arbitration.
As General Counsel in the Governor’s Office in Lagos State (2011-2015) and Senior Aide in Justice Sector Reform (2007-2011) she worked on, amongst others, public-private partnerships, arbitration legislation and leading product liability and consumer protection actions.
An accredited CeDR Mediator, member of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA), Arbitral Women, Commonwealth Lawyers Association and the Nigerian and International Bar Associations.
Currently, she is making a bid to lead the Nigerian Bar Association. If she succeeds, she will be the first woman to lead Africa’s biggest Bar
28. Adila Hassim SC- South Africa
Adila Hassim is an advocate and Senior Counsel at Group One advocates. She has been involved in a range of litigation regarding socio-economic rights and was lead Counsel in the Life Esidimeni arbitration. She has a long history of engaging in the intersections between policy, law and health spanning back to being a clerk with Judge Pius Langa in the Soobramoney v Minister of Health (KwaZulu-Natal) case in 1997. She has published in various legal and health journals and co-edited Health & Democracy: A Guide to Human Rights and Health Law and Policy in Post-apartheid South Africa, with Mark Heywood and Jonathan Berger (2007). After serving as a head of litigation at the AIDS Law Project, Adv Hassim was Co-founder and Director of Litigation at SECTION27 until 2017.
In January 2024, Hassim appeared in The Hague as a member of the legal team representing South Africa’s proceedings accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). She is now appointed as evidence leader in the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, better known as the Madlanga Commission. At the Madlanga Commission, Hassim has her work cut out for her in helping retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, his two commissioners and the public at large to navigate an exceedingly confusing tale that sounds, at times, like a fever-dream conspiracy theory conjured by pathologically paranoid minds.
29.Cordelia Uwuma Eke- Nigeria
Cordelia Uwuma Eke is the Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association, Portharcourt Branch. She is a legal practitioner called to the Nigerian Bar in 1995, with over thirty years’ experience in private law practice and public service. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (now Rivers State University), Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and a Master of Laws (LLM) in Public International Law, from the University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom.
She has worked in various law firms, including the law offices of Serena David Dokubo & Co (now Serenity Legal Union), George Etomi & Partners, Chie P.A.O. Olorunnisola & co, Ntephe Smith & Wills Solicitors, Emeka Ichoku & Co, and is presently a Director in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice. Her several roles in private and public practice cut across corporate commercial law practice to litigation, Mediation and Arbitration. She has acted as Head of several Government Departments and led project teams at various times. She also served as a Mediator in the Citizens Rights Directorate of the Ministry where she was fully engaged in resolution of conflicts. She has been appointed a Permanent Secretary in the Civil Service of the Rivers State Government.
Mrs. Eke is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), Nigeria, a Certified Mediation Trainer, an Arbitrator, and a registered Neutral with the Rivers State Multi-door Courthouse. She is also a Member of the Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria (Chartered) (ISMNC), aFellow, College of Diplomatic Studies and International Relations, and aMember of the International Society of Diplomats (ISD).
Cordelia Eke is the published Author of the practice book: CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN NIGERIA, A PRACTICAL GUIDE. She is also a Writer and Editor of various legal and quasi-legal works. She initiated and became pioneer Editor-in-Chief of the NBA Section on Business Law News Magazine, Business Law News in the year 2007, edited the NBA Port Harcourt Bar News and several publications for AWLA Rivers and FIDA, and has published journal articles. She is a member of the Advisory Board of Lawhauz Magazine.
Cordelia Eke has held several leadership roles in Civil Society and non-governmental organizations, including as pioneer Rivers State Coordinator of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria, South-South Coordinator AWLA Nigeria, Secretary, African Bar Association (AFBA) Women’s Forum, Mentor, NBA Women’s Forum, Chairperson FIDA Rivers Children’s Day and Widows Day Committees, amongst others.
As the pioneer female Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Port Harcourt Branch, Cordelia Eke is pushing boundaries and redefining leadership as, she heads a branch with over 8,000 Lawyers and heads the Forum of Chairmen in Rivers State. She also wears the cap of the pioneer National President of theNigerian Law School 1995 Call Set Alumni Association, and is Chair of the Steering committee of the Niger Delta NBA Chairmen’s Forum.
Cordelia Eke has also rendered service to the Bar in various capacities in the Nigerian Bar Association at the national level, including as Member of the NBA National Executive Council, Council member of the NBA Human Rights Institute, Secretary Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) 2022, Secretary NBA Electoral Reform Committee (2023), Member, NBA Remuneration Committee member NBA-SBL Eastern Zone Management Committee, Member, Technical committee on Conference Planning (TCCP) and several other roles.
She has been a Resource person on legal and general subjects at local and international conferences, webinars, trainings, and workshops/Seminars, including the NBA Annual General Conferences, the African Bar Association Conference, Criminal Justice Advisory Group (CJAG) UK Webinars, etc. She has also organized and facilitated Mediation and Peace building workshops for Justices of the Peace, NBA Young Lawyers Forum, Rivers State Judiciary, Women organizations, amongst others. Mrs. Eke is the initiator/sponsor of the Cordelia Eke Moot and Mock Championship organized in collaboration with LAWSAN, for Law Students of the Rivers State University 2025.
Cordelia Eke is best known in the past year for her firm opposition to injustice and her courageous stance in opposition to emergency rule and support for the rule of Law in Rivers State at the risk of her job, monitoring local government elections in the State and speaking up in defense of the Judiciary and the society.
Her tenure as NBA Branch Chairman has been marked by disruptions as she ventures into new territories and makes bold decisions with series of progressive policies, welfare and other activities. Some of these include food distribution at subsidized cost to members, medical assistance through HMO subscription for members, international standard law week conferences, NBA AGC support for young lawyers and members, initiating publication of a registered Branch Law Journal with several editions, law practice support through website directory, and general capacity building of members through ICLE certified trainings. She has built bridges by securing collaborations with various non-lawyer organizations like the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Nigerian Institute of Architects, Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, etc. There has also been robust engagement and good working relationships with stakeholders in the justice system like the State Government, Police and the Judiciary, amongst others. She also organized Officers executive retreat and certified trainings for association Staff to enhance their productivity, while initiating HMO cover for them.
She is a recipient of several awards and recognitions, including the HAVEN360 Foundation Champion of Justice Award 2025, The Rising Phoenix Mentorship Award 2025, Niger Delta Advancement Award for Best NBA Chairman in the Niger Delta 2024, COURTROOM MAIL 100 SHID award 2024, the Universal Peace Builders Ambassador of Peace Award, and several mentorship awards from Young Lawyers, Law Students Association of Nigeria, and many others. She is also a patroness of the Rivers State Union of Law Students (RULS), a trailblazer, pace setter, pioneer on several fronts and Mentor to many young women, young lawyers and students.
She is passionate about leadership, mentoring, women and children’s rights advocacy, and is known for her many innovations as branch chairman and for speaking up in the interest of justice and the rule of law.
30. Belinda Mapongwana- South Africa
Belinda Mapongwana is the visionary behind Mapongwana Attorneys Inc. She commenced her articles in the Commercial Department of Bowman Gilfillan Attorneys (‘’Bowmans’’). Soon after, she was awarded a scholarship to study an LLM in International Business Law in Amsterdam, where she graduated with Honourable Human Rights, in Geneva. She returned to Bowmans where she was promoted to Associate. In 2005, she joined the Corporate Commercial Department of ENS.
From 2007 to 2009, she was a Fellow of the Cyrus Vance South African Visiting Lawyer Program in New York, where she spent time at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett (in the Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Departments), and at Morgan Stanley, in the Global Structured Products team. In 2010, Belinda joined ABSA Capital Compliance as Vice President, advising the Private Equity and Investment Banking Divisions on all Compliance, Risk Management and Corporate Governance matters. In October 2011, she was seconded to Barclays Capital in London in the Investment Banking and Equity Syndicate Compliance Department.
In April 2014, Belinda left ABSA and founded Mapongwana Attorneys. From 2016 – 2018 she was a Sessional Lecturer and an External Examiner at the Mandela Institute, Wits School of Law where she taught Risk, Governance and Compliance. She sits on several boards and board committees where she has gained valuable experience in governance. She is a member of the Institute of Directors South Africa.
31.Adela Shamiso Kaviya– Zimbabwe
At 67, Adela Shamiso Kaviya’s journey to the law is not merely a story of professional achievement. It is a testament to resilience, courage, and the enduring pursuit of justice against overwhelming odds. A Zimbabwean legal practitioner and Managing Partner of Kaviya Attorneys, a law firm she founded in 2024, she represents a generation of women who transformed adversity into influence and purpose.
Born the last child and only girl in a family of eleven in a remote rural community of Zimbabwe, she grew up in what were then called Tribal Trust Lands. These were areas systematically deprived of opportunity under colonial rule. Educational infrastructure was nearly nonexistent: no government primary school within a 50-kilometre radius and no secondary school for girls in the whole district. Primary schools operated under Catholic missionary oversight, often staffed by teachers with minimal formal training, many having completed only Standard 4 or 6. Lessons, including English, were frequently taught in Shona due to limited teacher proficiency. Teacher shortages were chronic. By design, there was no dedicated Grade 3 teacher, forcing staff to rotate supervision among overcrowded classes. Learning materials were scarce. The earliest grades, had no exercise books, and writing lessons were conducted outdoors on mud slates.
At the time, progression beyond Grade 5 was rare, particularly for girls, as entrenched gender norms and structural inequalities dictated early domestic roles over academic advancement. Yet within this environment of constraint, her parents, both minimally educated up to Grade 2, instilled an unwavering reverence for learning. Their belief became the foundation upon which she built a life defined by persistence and achievement. She was one of only two girls and three boys in her class of 45 to progress to upper primary school, walking miles daily through rough terrain, barefoot and most times hungry, in pursuit of learning.
Her formative years unfolded under the racial inequalities of colonial Rhodesia, where access to quality education and professional opportunity was sharply divided along racial lines and also along urban and rural lines. Boarding school education after the seventh grade exposed her to ideas that would shape her life’s trajectory. Through the quiet defiance of teachers who introduced critical literature and discussions about justice, she discovered the power of the law and with it, a lifelong dream of becoming a lawyer.
That dream, however, would take decades to realise.
After completing four years secondary education in an F2 school, a track created by the Ministry of African Education offering limited academic progression and little institutional vision for its graduates, she took a typing course. She entered the workforce during a period when employment opportunities for black Zimbabweans were severely limited. She worked as a secretary and later in corporate roles in Harare, then Salisbury. She transformed into senior roles by self-funding her academic development through independent study. Following Zimbabwe’s independence, she pursued further education through night school while balancing work and family life.
Marriage in 1983 and motherhood in 1985 brought new responsibilities but did not extinguish her ambition. In 1992, she rose to a continental role when Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) appointed her Southern Africa Regional In-House Accounts Trainer, a position she held alongside her demanding duties as Office Manager for the VSO Zimbabwe Programme. As her family grew, so did her vision. Together with her husband, she co-founded thriving transport and real estate businesses that at their peak employed approximately 200 people. These ventures gave her deep commercial insight and exposed her to the real-world consequences of inadequate legal knowledge from poorly structured property transactions to families losing generational wealth through weak estate planning. These experiences reignited her passion for law, not as an abstract ideal, but as a practical tool for empowerment.
At the age of 45 in 2005, as a mother of four and after nearly three decades outside formal education, she enrolled for a full-time Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa. Returning to academia required extraordinary determination. She navigated academic pressure alongside personal tragedies, including family bereavements and the economic collapse that erased her family’s savings. Despite these challenges, she excelled academically, ranking in the top 15% of her class at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in her first year and earning a lifetime membership to the Golden Key International Honour Society. She went on to complete her LLB degree in 2008.
Her legal qualification marked not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a new mission.
Admitted to the High Court of Zimbabwe, she has built a distinguished legal career grounded in technical excellence and human-centred advocacy. She is a qualified Conveyancer, Notary Public, and Estate Administrator/Executor with recognised expertise in property law, estate planning, family law, commercial transactions, and civil litigation. Her postgraduate training in Competition Law and Environmental & Sustainable Development Law from Mandela Institute of University of the Witwatersrand reflects her commitment to forward-looking legal practice.
In 2024, she founded her own law firm and now serves as Managing Partner. Her practice is defined by precision, professionalism, and a solutions-driven approach that integrates legal rigour with commercial realism. Drawing on decades of executive experience in business and real estate, she brings rare dual insight, both as a legal expert and as a business leader who understands client realities.
Beyond technical competence, her influence lies in impact. She has dedicated much of her practice to empowering individuals and families through estate planning, trusts, and property law areas critical for wealth preservation and intergenerational stability in emerging economies. She is particularly passionate about educating communities on the legal tools that prevent asset loss and protect vulnerable beneficiaries, especially women and children.
Her life story resonates across borders and generations. From barefoot walks to school in rural Zimbabwe to leading a modern legal practice, she embodies the transformative power of education, perseverance, and purpose. Her journey challenges conventional timelines for success and expands the narrative of what is possible for women in law particularly those from disadvantaged beginnings.
Today, she stands not only as a respected legal practitioner but as a symbol of late-blooming excellence and lifelong reinvention. Her influence extends beyond the courtroom and boardroom into communities where her story inspires others to pursue education, resilience, and self-determination regardless of age or circumstance.
Adela’s legacy is one of endurance, leadership, and meaningful impact. She represents a generation that fought structural barriers and a future where law serves as a bridge between justice and opportunity. Her journey is not one of professional distinction alone, but a life that has redefined perseverance and purpose in the legal profession.
32. Pheona Nabasa Gladys Wall, SC– Uganda
Pheona Wall’s journey from Jinja District to the pinnacle of Uganda’s legal world is a testament to resilience, compassion, and leadership. Pheona excelled on scholarships through primary school, Mount Saint Mary’s College Namagunga (O- and A-Levels), and Makerere University (LLB on Government scholarship). She later earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, and an MBA in Management. Her passion for justice sparked early. While studying for her LLB, she volunteered as a Legal Officer at the Law Development Centre Legal Aid Clinic (2003–2006), providing free human rights and legal support to the vulnerable – an experience that shaped her lifelong commitment to access to justice.
Pheona began in private practice before moving into corporate and public roles, including Senior Manager Legal Services at the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, where she negotiated major infrastructure contracts and this enabled her later in her career to advise on energy and oil & gas projects. She also headed public relations at Airtel Uganda during a telecom merger and, lectured at Kampala International University. She is a Chartered Arbitrator, Certified Notary Public and Insolvency Practitioner, with expertise in corporate governance, labour law, commercial transactions and compliance.
Her transformative leadership came as President of the Uganda Law Society from 2020 to 2024. Amid COVID-19 and political challenges, she tripled the society membership, conceptualized the construction of the Uganda Law Society House, expanded legal aid clinics nationwide, launched a Sexual Gender Based Violence call centre, secured “essential-worker status” for lawyers to move during the lock down to defend human rights violations, and united the bar to defend the rule of law.
Her governance experience pivoted with her as the Chief Executive Officer of the League of East African Directors where she quadrupled membership and established a full time secretariat.
Today, Pheona is Managing Partner of Nabasa & Co. Advocates, Executive Director and Founder of Fidelis Leadership Institute, and Secretary General of the Pan African Lawyers Union. She has served on key bodies including the Judiciary Council, Governing Council of the East African Law Society, East African Business Council, Zamara Retirement Fund, the Commonwealth Lawyers Association Board and Guarantee Trust Bank.
Internationally, she has presented at the International Bar Association Annual Conference in 2020, 2021, and 2022 on the rule of law, access to justice, and ethical governance. Her honours include a French-German Élysée Peace and Reconciliation Award (2021), Africa’s Top 50 Leaders (2020), Hague Institute “Talent to Watch” (2018), New Vision “40 Under 40” (2018 & 2020), and Institute of Corporate Governance Uganda Recognition (2022).
A devoted Christian, wife, and mother of three, Pheona is guided by Proverbs 31:9 and passionately mentors young lawyers (especially women), champions marginalized groups, and builds ethical leadership across Africa. Her story proves that female lawyers can lead boldly, serve profoundly, and inspire enduring change while staying faithful, available and teachable.
33. Baitseng Ramakgahlele Rangata– South Africa
Baitseng Rangata is the Director and Founder of BR Rangata Attorneys. She has over 23 years of experience in the legal profession in South Africa. After admission as an attorney, she has trained over 50 young lawyers and is continuing to do so. She is passionate about skills transfer and knowledge sharing.
She has extensive knowledge in Commercial and Administrative Law, Intellectual Property Law, Tax Law, Labour Law, General Civil Litigation, Forensic Investigation and chairing boards of inquiry as well as disciplinary proceedings. She has serviced a number of clients as a lead attorney, i.e., Eskom, SARS, Railway Safety Regulator and the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture. She has prepared legal opinions for various clients and represented clients in the High Court in respect of litigated claims, including appearance in the High Court.
She has acted as a Judge of the High Court in the Gauteng Division, both Johannesburg and Pretoria on numerous occasions. Ms Rangata has been trained through judicial skills training on judgement writing and decision making. In her recent studies with the Nelson Mandela Institute, part of her training in Collective and Individual Labour Law was writing skills, which included extensive training in writing arbitration awards.
Ms Rangata is currently serving as a board member on a number of institutions, including SAFLI. She previously served on the board of the Legal Practice Fidelity Fund, as Chair of the Finance Committee, as a Council member of the Legal Practice Council, serving as Chairperson of the Risk and Audit Committee, and General Secretary and later Deputy President of the Black Lawyers Association.
34.Evelyn Membere-Asimiea-Nigeria
Evelyn Membere-Asimiea is a seasoned Legal Practitioner with over 26 years of post-call experience, distinguished for her expertise in women’s rights, children’s rights, public interest litigation, legislative development, and institutional leadership. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to advancing access to justice, gender equity, and human rights within Nigeria and in international advocacy spaces.
She obtained her LL.B from Rivers State University and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2001. She holds an LL.M in Public International Law from the University of London, aDiploma in Public Administration from the University of Calabar, and an MPhil in Legislative
Drafting from the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Gender Studies at Rivers State University, with research focus on the effectiveness of legal mechanisms for the protection of women’s rights in Nigeria.
Membere-Asimiea has actively participated in and facilitated numerous national and international programs on peace-building, governance reform, gender justice, and human rights. She provides consultancy services in legal reform, development programming, institutional strengthening, and leadership capacity building.
Her leadership trajectory within professional and faith-based legal associations is extensive and impactful. She served as Deputy Country Vice President of FIDA Nigeria (2021–2024), having previously held the offices of Assistant National Secretary and National Secretary (2015–2021). At the state level, she served as Secretary of FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch (2011–2013).
Within the Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON), she served as Chairperson of the Port Harcourt Branch (2016–2019) and later as National Vice President (2021–2024).
She also held the office of Financial Secretary for both CLASFON Port Harcourt Branch and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Nigeria Branch, Rivers State Chapter.
She served as Legal Adviser to the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter (2020–2024), and has contributed meaningfully to several committees of the Nigerian Bar Association, Port Harcourt Branch. She is also a member of the Rivers State Judiciary Information and Communication Technology Committee.
Membere-Asimiea currently serves as Director of the Office of the Public Defender at the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, where she leads institutional efforts to enhance access to justice for indigent and vulnerable persons. She also coordinates the Rivers State MultiStakeholder Committee on the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence, providing strategic direction for inter-agency collaboration in addressing GBV across the State.
In recognition of her exceptional leadership, professional excellence, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of legal practitioners and advocates, Mrs. Membere-Asimiea has received several awards for: Outstanding Leadership, Meritorious Service, Excellence in Mentorship and Commitment to Women and Children’s Rights Advocacy.
Her recognitions reflect her integrity, administrative competence, and sustained impact within the legal profession and civil society.
35. Nanzelelo S. L. Ndlovu– Zimbabwe
Nanzelelo S. L. Ndlovu is the Director of Legal Services at the National University of Science and Technology, and Vice President of the Zimbabwe Institute for Patent and Trade Mark Agents. She is also an experienced legal trainer, delivering specialized programmes in data protection, governance, intellectual property, and leadership development. She recently added a new dimension to her career as a part-time news anchor with the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, exemplifying her belief in stepping out and embracing new opportunities.
Her diverse career journey spans academia, private practice, regulatory compliance, and international humanitarian work. She spent five years at Wintertons Legal Practitioners before pivoting to serve as Legal Adviser with the International Committee of the Red Cross, Harare Delegation, where she trained military personnel across four countries on International Humanitarian Law and lectured university students throughout the region.
Nanzelelo holds an LLB and Masters in Multidisciplinary Human Rights Law from the University of Pretoria, and a Masters of Science in Governance and Leadership from Africa Leadership and Management Academy. Beyond her formal roles, she conducts specialized training programmes for organizations and communities in data protection compliance, governance, and legal literacy, and serves as Director of Ceremonies for events. Her career demonstrates the power of strategic pivoting—from academia to corporate law, to international humanitarian work, to university leadership and regulatory compliance, and now to media—while maintaining her core commitment to empowering others, particularly women in leadership, and making legal knowledge accessible to all.
36. Winfred Adukule-Meuter- Uganda
Winfred Adukule-Meuter is an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda and the subordinate courts. She is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Free Child Uganda, and indigenous Non-Governmental Organization specialized in enhancing access to justice for juvenile offenders. Winfred earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Makerere University, Kampala, a Post Graduate Diploma in Law from Law Development Center, and a Masters in Law in Democratic Government and Rule of Law from Ohio Northern University, USA.
Over the course of her 24-year legal career, Winfred has dedicated the last decade to specializing her legal practice in juvenile justice. In 2017, her commitment was recognized when she received an award for Human Rights Defender of the Year for her work in juvenile justice from Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS). She has consistently contributed to the development of jurisprudence in this area, helping to shape the evolution of juvenile justice in Uganda.
One of Winfred’s most notable achievements occurred in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. In collaboration with Hon. Justice Kwesiga, then Head of the Criminal Division of the High Court, she piloted court sittings at Naguru Remand Home in Kampala, handling 65 cases from six High Court circuits. The insights and experience gained from this initiative led to the designation of the seven remand homes as Magisterial Courts, a milestone that significantly reduced geographical barriers to justice for child offenders.
Winfred attributes much of her success to the social capital and networks she has built over the years, which have enabled collaborations with lasting impact. Her passion for her work is evident and unwavering. She lives by the mantra, “It takes a village to raise a child.”
Prior to her work on juvenile justice, Winfred devoted herself to anti-corruption and good governance initiatives. As a Research Assistant, she contributed to two high-profile cases that led to amendments to the Leadership Code Act and helped establish a fully functional Leadership Code Tribunal. In 2011, supporting Uganda’s commitment to international obligations, she prepared the country’s first Mechanism for the Review of Implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption report for submission to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Winfred serves as a Council Member at Muni University in Arua district, a position she has held since May 2022 as a Ministerial Appointee. She is Chairperson of the Students’ Affairs Committee and a member of the Appointments Board. Additionally, she is a Board Member of CEFORD, a local NGO operating in the West Nile region and parts of Kabarole region.
Outside her professional commitments, Winfred is a wife, devoted mother, and daughter. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, solving jigsaw puzzles, and watching or reading thriller movies and novels.
37.Tsitsi Mariwo-Zimbabwe
Tsitsi Mariwo is the inaugural Director of Data Protection in Zimbabwe pioneering implementation of the legal, and regulatory frameworks nationwide. She has played a pivotal role in positioning Zimbabwe as a regional player in data protection by spearheading the establishment of a functional national Data Protection Office and leading the design and operationalisation of the country’s data protection framework. Through her strategic leadership, she has shaped national policy, regulatory instruments, institutional capacity-building programmes, and cross-border cooperation mechanisms, setting new benchmarks for data governance across the SADC region and the African continent. Her work has placed Zimbabwe firmly on the regional and global data protection map, with active participation in the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA), the Global Privacy Assembly (GPA), and the negotiation of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with South Africa to harmonise cross-border data flows. In this role, she has represented Zimbabwe in bilateral and regional negotiations, including the review of the SADC Model Law on data protection, directly influencing regional policy convergence and best practices. Tsitsi holds an LLM and LLBS (Hons) from the University of Zimbabwe, alongside professional certifications in Data Protection, Cybersecurity, Intellectual Property Law, Telecommunications Policy and Law and Regulation, and International Trade Law, grounding her advisory work in deep multidisciplinary expertise.
38. Emem Ette– Nigeria
Emem Ette Esq is an accomplished Nigerian legal practitioner and practising ADR and social conflict management expert. She has a record of over 1000 cases resolved, including communal land ownership disputes, women land rights, child custody, widows disinheritance etc.
She has in the past 20 years, been actively involved in leading the provision of temporary shelters for survivors of sexual and other gender based violence.
She is currently studying for her PhD. in Women and Children’s Protection and has been using her skills and knowledge in ensuring women and children have easy access to justice.
She was a strong advocate for the passage of the Violence against Persons (Prohibition) Law in Akwa Ibom State and pushed for the establishment of the Sexual and Gender Based Violence Response Department to implement the law. On the passage of the law, she made simplified copies and translated same into four dialects – Ibibio, Annang, Ekid and Oro. She also curated the State’s GBV Referral Pathway and a Training Manual for schools. She also advocated for and ensured the establishment of a shelter and skills acquisition Center for women, who suffer domestic violence.
She is the Director and Head of the Akwa Ibom State Government Sexual and Gender Based Violence Response Department, Ministry of Justice, Uyo and Secretary of the State’s Gender-Based Violence Management Committee, where she coordinates response to SGBV including prosecutions and have secured 75 convictions of rape in the past 3 years.
She’s a member of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators and the African Women in Leadership Organisation where she is the General Secretary and Legal Counsel.
39. Hon.Stella Tullo Chaggi– Tanzania
A distinguished legal professional and transformative public servant, she has proudly served the United Republic of Tanzania since 2017 under a Presidential appointment as the Registrar and Chief Executive of the District Land and Housing Tribunals nationwide. Her career reflects an unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, and institutional excellence, particularly in the resolution of land disputes, one of the most sensitive and economically significant sectors in our country.
She was admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania in 2011 and a Member of the Tanganyika Law Society. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the University of Dar es Salaam (2004) and a Master of Laws (LL.M) from the University of Warwick (2010), which she pursued under the prestigious Ford Foundation Scholarship. In 2025, She was awarded a scholarship by the Uongozi Institute to undertake a Certificate in the Women’s Leadership Programme, further strengthening her capacity as a woman leader in public service.
As Chief Executive overseeing the District Land and Housing Tribunals, she has led strategic reforms that significantly strengthened access to justice across Tanzania. Between 2022 and 2025, she mobilized Tribunal Chairpersons nationwide around a bold vision to eliminate longstanding case backlogs. Through a performance-driven campaign branded “Seventy February,” she inspired Chairpersons in Dar es Salaam and Coast Regions to dispose off at least 70 substantive land cases between December 2021 and February 2022. By organizing special hearing sessions, securing institutional commitments, and coordinating the necessary resources, we successfully cleared approximately 22,000 backlog cases out of 28,000 that had been pending for more than five years within less than one year. This achievement restored public confidence in the land justice system and unlocked land previously constrained by disputes, enabling productive use and contributing to economic growth within communities.
In advancing structural reform, in 2021 she successfully recommended and coordinated several amendments to the Land Disputes Courts Act (Cap 216), among the amendments being transforming the tenure of Tribunal Chairpersons from renewable three-year contracts into permanent appointments. This reform reduced case adjournments caused by contractual uncertainties and enhanced institutional stability, efficiency, and accountability.
Furthermore, between 2022 and 2025, she coordinated the establishment of 62 new District Land and Housing Tribunals, increasing the total number of functional tribunals to 117 nationwide. Remarkably, it had taken nearly nineteen years to establish only 55 tribunals prior to this expansion. This milestone significantly improved accessibility to land justice services and reinforced the government’s commitment to bringing justice closer to the people.
In 2020, when proposals emerged to transfer land dispute jurisdiction to the Judiciary effectively dissolving the institution she lead, she demonstrated resilience, flexibility, and strategic leadership. Through reform-oriented engagement and performance improvement initiatives, the Land Tribunals were granted renewed confidence to continue delivering justice more effectively.
As a female leader, she lead with vision, adaptability, and a people-centered mindset, focused on impact, institutional excellence, and sustainable progress. This nomination represents not only personal recognition but also a testament to the transformative contribution of women lawyers in strengthening legal institutions and advancing equitable access to justice nationally and internationally.
40. Nomaswazi Shabangu- South Africa
Nomaswazi Shabangu currently serves as a Commissioner of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) assisting in the appointment of Judges of all superior courts in South Africa and also participated in the appointment of the current and the former Chief Justice. She was admitted an attorney of the High Court of South Africa in 2002. She is the sole Director of Nomaswazi Shabangu Attorneys dealing mostly with family law, gender issues, general litigation, administration of estate, Wills and Trust and consumer protection law. She is an accredited Mediator of the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division. Nomaswazi Shabangu is a qualified Arbitrator and Mediator in Family Law and Commercial Law.
Since the inception of her law firm she has mentored many young attorneys and trained many new legal practitioners who are now running their own law firms and others holding positions in the public sector.
She advocates for the transformation of judiciary in South Africa and also in the legal profession.
She has vast experience in corporate governance having acquired a certificate in corporate governance from the University of Johannesburg. Shabangu served as a Board Member in different government institutions both provincial and national serving also as Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Heritage Resource Authority and a Deputy Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency.
She was the member of the Family Law Committee for the Law Society of South Africa and also served as its Chairperson. Shabangu served as the Council for the Law Society of the Northern Provinces (LSNP), responsible for regulating all attorneys in four provinces (Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and North West Provinces).
She was the inaugural Council member of the Legal Practice Council (LPC) which was established after the disbandment of the LSNP in 2018.
Shabangu was also amongst the first Mpumalanga Advisory of the Sheriff’s Board where she played a very important role in the appointment of Sheriffs in the province, shortlisting, interviewing and recommending to the Minister of Justice on suitable candidates.
In an attempt to mitigate the inequality in the profession, the LPC established the Legal Sector Code of which she was part of the steering committee that drew the code which was gazetted in 2024. As a result she is the inaugural Council member of the Legal Sector Charter Council overseeing and making sure that black women lawyers are also receiving a fair share when coming to work allocation from the government and the private sector.
She was the acting Magistrate for the Regional Court, Mpumalanga sitting in Mbombela and being instrumental in assisting with the transformation of the regional court bench as she was the first black woman to be a magistrate of the Regional Court in Mpumalanga of which today the number of women magistrate in the Regional Court in Mpumalanga has grown.
Between 2020-2021 she was the Acting Judge of the High Court of South Africa, Mpumalanga Division.
She also served as the Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Consumer Court, presiding on matters of unfair business practices.
Shabsngu is the President of the South African Women Lawyers Association (SAWLA) and during her tenure she established the SAWLA Bursary Fund which is assisting law students who are from the needy families by contributing towards the tuition fee. I also established SAWLA Development Fund which assist in trainings and other assistance that women legal practitioners may require. She also established the Student Chapter for law students in different institutions across the country.
In November 2024 in Cali, Colombia Shabangu was elected the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Regional Vice President (Africa).
She has presented papers/statements at different platforms, national and international, the latest one being a video statement at the launch of the UN Working Group on Discrimination
Against Women and Girls guidance document on the rights of women and girls in family life, held in Geneva, my focus was on African perspective.
Outside the profession she established a forum called Black Sisters Unite Forum where girls and young women share ideas, being mentored on life aspects and teaches them to love and appreciate themselves and has adopted a school where she started her schooling more than thirty years ago solely for the purpose of contributing towards the school needs and mentoring and guiding the children at their early age.
Her motto “PULL AS YOU RISE”.
41. Caroline Khasoa- Kenya
Caroline is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, a certified project manager (CPM), a land governance specialist, a devolution Champion. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Nagpur University, a post graduate diploma in law (PGD) from the Kenya School of Law (KSL) and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) (Strategic Management) from JKUAT. She is a member of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Kenya), the Certified Professional Mediators of East Africa and the Land, Environment & Climate Change (LECC) Baraza.
Ms. Khasoa has over 25 years of experience in land governance, environmental justice, dispute resolution and institutional reform. She has proven leadership in legal advisory, public policy development, governance oversight and administration of land justice. Her MBA research focused on the Fit for Purpose Justice Approach. Her core competencies include land Governance & Public Land Management, Institutional Governance & Policy Reform, Professional Training & Capacity Building and Community Justice, Civic Education & ADR.
Caroline has been recognized for boardroom leadership and governance impact. She has successfully influenced institutional strategies, strengthened compliance systems, and championed reforms that enhance access to justice and sustainable development. She is articulate, innovative, and persuasive, with proven ability to mobilize resources, resolve complex challenges, and deliver results that surpass expectations.
Ms. Khasoa is the National Land Commission (NLC) Deputy Director – Legal Affairs & Dispute Resolution Services where she provides legal advisory, oversees litigation and ADR frameworks. Previously, she was the County Coordinator in Kakamega County from 2014 to 2020 where she managed public land, led preparation of County Land Assets & Liabilities Report, which was ranked the best nationally.
Caroline is a Council member of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK)– Nairobi Branch (2024 – Present). Previously, she served as Council Member – LSK (2012 – 2016) where she advocates for Branch Devolution Fund and legal aid initiatives. She is the convenor – Nairobi Branch Law Reform & Devolution Committee and the Senior Bar Mentorship Platform. She is a champion of rule of law, professional welfare and legal policy implementation.
Caroline also serves as a member – Nairobi ELC Bar–Bench Committee & Users Committee; facilitated judge trainings and mediation initiatives. She has also served as a member – LSK Gender Committee where she promoted women’s opportunities in law.
As the convenor – LECC Baraza, Ms. Khasoa advances dialogue in land governance, environmental protection and climate justice. She has also been a trainer and facilitator: LSK CPDs, NLC, FIDA Kenya, Judiciary, and LECC Baraza programs.
Ms. Khasoa has served as a member of Kimilili Municipality Board, where she was the chair, Administration & Finance Committee. She has also been a board Member – National Environment Complaints Committee (NECC) where she contributed to Public Interest Litigation Handbook. As a Council Member – FIDA Kenya, she promoted access to justice for women and participated in 66th CSW, New York, on social protection for orphaned vulnerable children (OVC) and the elderly. In the spirit of giving back to the society, #GiveToGain, Ms. Khasoa has served as aBoard of Management (BOM) member at Kamusinga Girls, Goibei Girls, Chesamisi Boys and Maeni Girls Secondary Schools. She also serves in Kimilili Community Land Users CBO, Maeni Evacuation of Ignorance & Poverty Initiative and Maeni Friends Church.
42. Nyembo C. Eméline– Rwanda
Nyembo C. Eméline is a highly accomplished legal professional and a member of the Rwanda Bar Association since 2011, possessing over 20 years of cumulative experience in the legal field. As the Founder and Managing Director of Shebah Law Firm, she has established herself as a specialist in criminal law, legal risk, and compliance. Her career began with a foundational six-year tenure as a Prosecutor within Rwanda’s National Public Prosecution Authority, where she handled complex cases involving corporate criminal liability, economic offenses, and gender-based violence. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (2002) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (PGDLP) from the Institute of Legal Practice and Development.
Beyond her litigation and advisory work, Nyembo is a prominent advocate for women’s and children’s rights on national and international stages. She has served as the Regional Coordinator for the Great Lakes Region within the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA/RIFAV), focusing on the implementation of the Maputo Protocol and capacity building for women in the legal profession. Her commitment to social justice is further evidenced by her collaboration with organizations like HAGURUKA and the HUZA Network CBC, where she provides legal assistance to vulnerable persons and mentors the next generation of legal professionals.
Nyembo’s versatile expertise extends into specialized sectors, including Sports Law and Shipping & Maritime Law, where she advises on governance, contracts, and cross-border trade. She is also a recognized trainer and conference speaker, frequently partnering with the International Development Law Organisation (IDLO) to deliver modules on international criminal law, evidence collection, and conflict management. An active member of the East Africa Law Society and the Alliance Internationale des Femmes Avocates, she remains at the forefront of legal reform, ethics, and the integration of emerging technologies in the legal sector.
43. Caroline Mtai-Kenya
Caroline Mtai is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and an independent consultant specializing in child justice, gender justice, and criminal justice reform. She previously served for seven years as the Kenyan Legal Advisor to the United States Department of Justice’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (USDOJ/OPDAT) at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, where she provided legal advisory on prosecution-led criminal justice reform initiatives.
Mtai began her legal career at Kenya’s Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice as a Litigation Counsel in the Civil Litigation Department and later in the Land and Environment Division. In 2014, she joined the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and served for four years as Head of Prosecutions at the Milimani Children’s Court, the largest exclusive children’s court in Kenya.
During her tenure, the Milimani Children’s Court became the first magistrate’s court in Kenya to implement plea agreements for the resolution of cases involving children, advancing efficiency and child-sensitive justice practices. For over 10 years after her service at ODPP, Mtai’s work continued to focus on effective and efficient investigation, prosecution and adjudication of criminal cases with a focus on alternatives to trial and prosecution to reduce over-reliance on the trial process. She led the implementation of over 20 judicial service weeks prioritizing quick resolution of Sexual and Gender Based Violence cases involving children. She believes that an overburdened justice system is incapable of responding to the needs of the most vulnerable justice seekers.
Mtai applied her expertise as a member of numerous technical working groups that developed the ODPP Plea Bargaining Rules, The Plea-Bargaining Guidelines and Explanatory Notes, the Diversion Policy and Guidelines, the Child Prosecution Guidelines. Between 2017 and 2022, Ms. Mtai co-facilitated high-level stakeholder engagements in Ethiopia and Ghana on implementing plea agreements as a speedy case resolution mechanism. In 2022, Ghana passed her plea-bargaining laws inspired by the Kenyan criminal procedure laws. These achievements buttressed Ms. Mtai’s standing as a legal strategist capable of contextualising reform within diverse legal systems.
Following her departure from USDOJ/OPDAT in September 2025 after US funding restructuring, Mtai relentlessly continued her efforts re-focusing herself as an independent consultant in child justice, gender justice and criminal justice reform. Without missing a beat, she continued her work in the criminal justice sector focusing on emerging justice challenges for women, girls and other vulnerable groups. Within this period, Mtai, as a Consultant for the Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW), delivered extensive training for justice actors and community-based organizations on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) addressing growing concerns over gender biases and inequality replicated across digital platforms. Her work in this area strengthened justice sector understanding of online harms and aimed to improve institutional responses to cyber-enabled offences against women and girls.
Mtai is passionate about promoting alternatives to institutionalization for children and improving education standards for children in institutional care. Driven by this passion, she founded the Operation Jaza Shelf Book Club Project in 2016 to raise awareness on the need to provide equal access to free and compulsory education to children in rehabilitation schools. Through this project, Ms. Mtai collaborated with over 100 professionals to mentor girls at a Nairobi rehabilitation school for girls, donate thousands of books and renovate the school library.
Throughout her career, Mtai has combined technical legal excellence with a deeply rooted commitment to social justice earning her notable recognition. In 2016, Ms. Mtai was selected by the United States Department of State to participate in the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) under the theme “Women for Peace and Security”, joining a global network of women leaders advancing governance and peacebuilding initiatives. In 2017, she was named among the Business Daily Top 40 Under 40 Women, acknowledging her pioneering contributions to child justice and legal reform. Her advisory contributions continue to strengthen prosecutorial policy and case resolution standards, shaping both the letter and spirit of criminal justice in Kenya and beyond.
Academically, Ms. Mtai holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Moi University, a Post Graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law and is currently pursuing an LL.M (Human Rights) at the University of Nairobi.
44. Meron Aragaw Erkihun– Ethiopia
As a lawyer, an enthusiastic and experienced leader, passionate advocate to promoting the rights of women and children, and a feminist, Meron has been able to contribute and bring tangible changes during her career experience twelve years, at the Civil Society Sector and four years, at the Government. During her service years at the Civil Society Sector such as Love for Children Organization, African Child Policy Forum, the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA), where she served as Executive Directress for 6 years and Civil Society Resource Center (CSRC), She has acquired a significant experience in undertaking research related tasks, accomplishing policy advocacy works, providing capacity building trainings especially legal trainings on gender, the rights of women and children, designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating projects/programs, providing legal counseling, system establishment, structuring and restructuring, actively engaging in law reforms and amendmentsand so on.
Meron has been involved in providing free legal aid service for survivor women and children of violence, policy advocacy tasks, in the promulgation, amendment and implementation of laws for the better protection of the rights of women & children and also for the establishment of gender and child rights sensitive structures and systems.
While she was appointed as the Deputy Bureau Head of the Addis Ababa Women, Children and Social Affairs Bureau from 2019-2023, she initiated and contributed to enacting more than six directives that better benefit women and children, in the establishment of day cares and re-establishment of gender units in sector bureaus of the Addis Ababa City Administration, significantly contributed to a tax exemption arrangement and government budget allocation for the provision of sanitary pads for female students of the government schools of the Addis Ababa City Administration. Strategizing, planning, executing, monitoring and evaluating Women’s inclusion and participation in Economic Activities, Urban Agriculture & Livelihood Programs have also been among the major areas that she significantly contributed to. Meron produced Legal Aid Service Manual for the Bureau so that survivor women and children of gender-based violence would get comprehensive legal aid as well as psycho-social support.
She has had roles in board leadership at the UN Women’s Civil Society Advisory Group, at a regional organization named as Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA Network) and at Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA). She is also a volunteer advisor on Gender, Youth and Social Inclusion issues for UN Women and the FDRE House of Peoples’ Representatives. She was a member to the Executive Committee of the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Forum which is an umbrella organization for the civil society organizations operating in Ethiopia and a member of the Ethiopian Civil Society Law Reform Committee. Currently, She is a member of The East African Law Society, andboard member and chairwomanfor Inspire Ethiopia and Ethiopian Women Development Organization respectively. Also, she had also been serving in the Board Leadership & Executive Committee of the AA Women Association & the AA Women Federation respectively.
Additionally, Meron gives back to the society in the form of rendering Consultancy Services and thus, she provides professional services and technical support in the areas of women & youth empowerment, women rights, gender issues, gender-based violence and other social development matters.
“All in all, as advocating for the promotion and protection of the rights of women and children and gender equality/equity is hmy true calling and a cause that I am passionate about, I also stretch myself to voice out the issue through different mainstream and social media platforms.”
45. Sinethemba Edna Khumalo– Kingdom of Eswatini
Sinethemba Edna Khumalo is the founder of Sinethemba Khumalo Ngcamphalala Attorneys, a100% Female led firm. She is currently a Member of a Disciplinary Tribunal Committee- The only female in the board amongst 6 Male Senior Attorneys in Eswatini. She is a distinguished legal practitioner in Eswatini with over 21 years of specialized experience in Intellectual Property (IP). In September 2009, she co-founded the firm Khumalo Ngcamphalala Attorneys alongside Lindiwe Ngcamphalala. Since the firm’s inception, she has built a reputation for excellence in navigating the complexities of IP law, patent drafting, and general legal practice.
Admitted as an Attorney in 2003, Sinethemba’s career is built on a robust academic foundation, including an LLB from Rhodes University and a Bachelor of Arts in Law from the University of Swaziland. Her technical expertise is further bolstered by advanced certifications from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and specialized patent drafting training through the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO).
Beyond her private practice, Sinethemba is a committed leader within the Eswatini legal and civic community. She currently serves as a member of the Disciplinary Tribunal of the Law Society of Eswatini. Her leadership history includes nearly a decade of service on the board of the Swaziland National Housing Board (2011–2020) and a long-standing voluntary commitment to The Shamba Trust, where she supported community-based HIV/AIDS mitigation and orphaned children.
Defined by professional integrity and a passion for service, Sinethemba remains a leading voice for legal excellence and community empowerment in Mbabane.
46.Nyasha Chiota– Zimbabwe
Nyasha Chiota is a Zimbabwean Intellectual Property lawyer with over five years’ experience specializing in patent drafting, IP commercialization, litigation, enforcement, and innovation strategy. She serves as an Associate Legal Practitioner at DNM Attorneys and is a registered Legal Practitioner of the High Court of Zimbabwe.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Intellectual Property (WIPO Prize, Second Best Student) and completed advanced patent trainings with the WIPO Academy and ARIPO, including International Patent Drafting and the Patent X program in collaboration with Harvard Law School.
Nyasha is a Law Lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe under the department of Intellectual Property Legal Support Centre working together with the University in conducting intellectual property audit, registrations and patent drafting. She is widely recognized as the face of patent drafting at the institution, where she leads practical training and mentorship in patent specification drafting and innovation protection.
In addition to her IP-focused practice, she also practices other branches of law, including commercial law, tax law, labour law, criminal law, compliance, and litigation.
She serves as treasurer and administrator of the Zimbabwe Patents and Trademarks Agents and is a Board Member of Elavate Trust (innovation hub), contributing to governance and innovation-focused initiatives. She also works with Culture Warriors Edutainment Trust in educating the creative industry on intellectual property rights, having trained over 1000 artists across the country and Africa. Her Practice cuts across the African region on the registration of Intellectual Property Rights.
Her work is centered on strengthening intellectual property systems, supporting innovators, and advancing technology-driven legal development in Zimbabwe. She is an inspiration to the young generation of legal practitioners and innovators that age is just a number if you are dedicated to your values and principles.
47. Phyllis Chepkemboi-Kenya
Phyllis Chepkemboi is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Commissioner of Oaths and a Notary Public of over 17 years standing. She is the Managing Partner at C. P & A Advocates a law firm based in Kisumu City in Kenya. She previously worked as Head of Legal and Compliance in a State Corporation and a leading commercial bank with footprints in East Africa. She is a multi-faceted attorney who is versatile, has broad knowledge of various law areas and has the ability to think critically and tackle complex issues. She is a product of good mentorship and has intentionally included mentorship in all spaces within her influence.
She holds a Master of Business Administration with a bias for Human Resource Management from Maseno University, a Post Graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Moi University. She is a certified professional mediator under MTI international and offers her services at the Kenyan Judiciary as a Court Annexed Mediator. As far as law practice is concerned, she has specialized in Commercial Law particularly on Cross –Border Trade, Contracts, Procurement, Conveyancing, Employment Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution. She is a lead trainer of Good Corporate Governance for WASH sector in Kenya. She is a champion of impact , change , advocacy ,legal engineering for gender equality in all spaces where she operates.
She is an Executive Director of Bridges to the Future Foundation whose main aim is to assist male children from disadvantaged backgrounds access quality education and developmental opportunities as well as get access to justice and legal advice.
Phyllis is passionate about using her legal skills and expertise to make a positive impact in the society and deliberately contributes to the strategic direction and oversight of several institutions where she is onboarded.
She Chairs the Board of Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company Limited (KIWASCO) a water utility ISO 9001:2015 certified company. The company has 50,000 connections with current customer satisfaction level 79.9%. Prior to Chairing the board, she chaired the Human Resources, Legal and Corporate Affairs Committee and was a member of the Risk and Audit Committee. The company has grown exponentially due to effective governance, stakeholder trust, adherence to compliance and internal accountability.
She is a Board member of Green Zone–Kenya (GZ-K) is a nationally registered, community-based non-governmental organization whose aim is to build dignified, self-reliant communities through inclusive, locally led initiatives.
She is on the advisory board of WISE-KENYA Foundation a non-for-profit organization that works with women, young people and different abled persons within the Lake Victoria region to build sustainable businesses that contribute to profit, people and planet.
She sits on the Board of FIDA-K (Federation of Women Lawyers) as upcountry representative Western. She resonates with Fida- K mission of championing women’s individual and collective power to claim their rights in all spheres of life.
Her personal mantra is to live, laugh and love in no particular order!
48. Linda Alinda-Ikanza– Uganda
Linda Alinda-Ikanza is a nationally and internationally recognised award-winning advocate with 18 years of legal practice. She is passionate about practicing, teaching and innovating the Law.
Linda is a Partner at Amber Advocates with a practice focused on Corporate Advisory Law and Dispute Resolution. She brings a depth of experience that spans private practice, academia, and the corporate sector — a combination that gives her clients a distinctly well-rounded legal perspective.
Her corporate advisory work supports businesses across a broad range of matters, including commercial transactions, contractual law, corporate governance, and labour law. Linda’s approach is grounded in a thorough understanding of how the legal function aligns with and supports the strategic direction of a business — ensuring that legal counsel is always relevant, practical, and commercially informed.
Her experience in dispute resolution and academia has further strengthened her ability to identify, manage, and mitigate legal and compliance risks before they escalate. For organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions and regulatory environments, this preventive discipline is a critical part of sound business management.
As an entrepreneur herself, Linda appreciates the real-world pressures that businesses face. Her advice is designed not only to protect organisations, but to create tangible value for them — delivered with the rigour and discretion that senior business leadership expects from trusted legal counsel.
Some of Linda’s accolades include;
- Best Female Lawyer in Private Practise Award 2019
- Top 40 Ugandans under 40 for the year 2019
- Top 10 Global Innovator of 2019 by the Hague Institute for Innovating Law & Best Ugandan Innovator of 2020 by the Global Legal Hackthon.
- Africa’s Top 50 in Legal Innovation 2021
- Most Outstanding Professional Advisor at the Law Development Centre 2022
- Best Change Maker of the Year 2022 at Law Development Centre
- TOP50 Uganda’s Most Influential Young Lawyers 2024-2025, Public Opinions Uganda
Linda is married to Mr. Paul Ikanza for the last 18 years and her greatest inspiration is to leave their four daughters a better world, for women, than she found.
49.Abigail Lungowe Chimuka– Zambia
Abigail Lungowe Chimuka is a highly accomplished Zambian legal practitioner with over 17 years of post-qualification experience, having been admitted to the Bar in February 2008. She is the Co-Founding Partner of Abigail & Chama Advocates, a full-service corporate and commercial law firm that advises local and international clients across a diverse range of industries. Her core areas of expertise include banking and finance, energy, corporate advisory, employment law, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution.
Over the course of her distinguished career, Abigail has led and advised on complex banking and capital markets transactions, corporate restructurings, and high-value commercial negotiations. She has played a key role in several significant financing transactions on behalf of lenders to the Government of the Republic of Zambia, providing strategic counsel on transaction structuring, risk allocation, regulatory compliance, and effective execution.
She possesses extensive experience in energy and infrastructure transactions and has advised both project sponsors and lenders on major power projects, including solar, hydropower, and wind developments. Her work in this area spans project structuring, legal due diligence, negotiation of finance and security documentation, and regulatory compliance within Zambia’s evolving energy and infrastructure framework.
Prior to co-founding her current firm in 2020, Abigail was a Partner at Musa Dudhia & Company, where she made history as the firm’s first female partner and served on its Executive Committee. In this leadership capacity, she contributed to strategic planning, operations, and business development, while also leading teams on major transactions and cross-border mandates. In 2012, she was seconded to Allen & Overy LLP in London, where she gained valuable exposure to international financial law, global regulatory frameworks, and complex transactional due diligence within a leading global practice.
Her professional excellence has earned her notable international recognition. She is ranked Band 2 in General Business Law by Chambers and Partners, recognised as a Next Generation Partner by The Legal 500, and named Highly Regarded and a Women Leader in Banking and Finance by IFLR1000. These accolades underscore both the strength of her legal expertise and her leadership within Zambia’s legal and corporate landscape.
Beyond her legal practice, Abigail is an active corporate governance leader. She serves as Board Chair of Altus Financial Services Limited and sits on multiple boards, including Zambia Seed Company Limited. Through these roles, she demonstrates a strong commitment to integrity, accountability, and strategic oversight.
Across both her professional practice and governance responsibilities, Abigail Lungowe Chimuka is widely regarded as a trusted advisor dedicated to delivering commercially sound legal solutions while contributing meaningfully to the continued development of Zambia’s corporate and regulatory landscape.
50. Jacqueline Waihenya– Kenya
Jacqueline Waihenya is the Chairperson of the Institute of Certified Secretaries (ICS) 2025-2026. She is an ICS-accredited Governance Auditor and is a certified Legal and Compliance Auditor by the Kenya School of Law. In 2021, she served on the Taskforce to the Review of the Certified Public Secretary Act, which presented its report to the Honourable Attorney General and the Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury & Economic Planning. This Report has served as the bedrock for the Certified Governance Secretaries Bill, 2023. She has risen to the apex leadership of the Governance and ADR professional bodies in Kenya, that is to say ICS and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) Kenya Branch (Chairman 2023-25). She is a Director at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Kenya and is also an ordinary member of the Institute of Directors IOD Kenya Branch.
Jacqueline is a highly accomplished commercial lawyer and dispute resolver with advanced competencies in governance, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and international commercial law. She holds several fellowships in these disciplines as a Fellow of ICS, and a Chartered Arbitrator and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCiarb).
She is also a Doctoral Fellow in the University of Nairobi (UON) Faculty of Law under the Women, Children, Nature Rights & Environmental Governance (WCNREG) Program where she is also a PhD Candidate at the UON where her research focuses on the regulation and governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Environmental, Social Governance (ESG) and Sustainable Finance. She also holds a professional certificate from the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) in AI: Law, Policy & Governance. Jacqueline holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree in International Dispute Resolution from Queen Mary University of London and a second LL.M from the University of Nairobi specializing in Public Finance & Financial Securities Law. She also a Post Graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi.
Jacqueline represented Ciarb Kenya Branch in the National Steering Committee for the Formulation of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Policy 2020 where she convened the NSC Sub-Committee on Legislative Proposals. The Kenyan Cabinet approved the National ADR Policy in March 2023, which has now been placed before Parliament as Sessional Paper No.4 of 2024. The Bills annexed to the Sessional Paper have also been published for public participation, and these are the Dispute Resolution Bill, 2025; the Construction Adjudication Bill, 2025; and the Arbitration Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Her proficiency further extends to construction adjudication holding an advanced certificate from Ciarb. Her expertise is bolstered by her affiliation with the Dispute Resolution Board Foundation plus her specialized training from King’s College London and FIDIC (International Federation of Consulting Engineers) in Construction Law. She is also a Chartered Mediator accredited by the International Mediation Institute (IMI), FIFA’s Football Tribunal, and the Kenya Judiciary. In December 2025 she completed an intensive Training of Mediators Programme jointly organized by Breakthrough ADR, Court-Annexed Mediation (Kenya Judiciary), Strathmore University and the Weinstein International Foundation (USA).
She is listed on international arbitration panels including Ciarb, Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration (NCIA), Arbitration Foundation of South Africa (AFSA), ICC, and the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration (SCIA). Jacqueline is an Advocate of the High Court and Managing Partner at JWM Law LLP.
A committed scholar and mentor, Jacqueline is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Nairobi – Faculty of Engineering: Department of Environmental & Biosystems Engineering, and contributes widely to scholarship and policy development in governance, environmental law, and dispute resolution in Kenya, Africa and globally including The Nascent Blooming of ESG Disclosure into a Mega-trend and its likely Impact on ADR (ADR Journal 2022 Vol 10 Issue No. 4), Greening Alternative Dispute Resolution in Kenya (ADR Journal Vol.10.5 2022), Navigating Disruptions and Technological Innovations in ADR, 2022, The Status of ADR in Kenya, 2024, and Africanization of International Arbitration, 2024, Handbook on Arbitration in Kenya (Chapter 7 – Awards & Decision Making), 2025, The Status of ADR in Kenya, 2025, and theEnvironment and Land Court Case Digest, 2025.
Her work embodies a lifelong commitment to Wisdom, Excellence, and Transformation, values that continue to shape her thought leadership across Africa’s legal, governance, and ADR landscape.
51. Asantesana Chikopa Ulaya–Malawi
Asantesana Marjorie Chikopa-Ulaya is a legal practitioner at the Reserve Bank of Malawi. Her practice focuses on corporate governance, conveyancing, regulatory compliance and legal advisory services within public sector and financial regulatory institutions.
She has experience in governance oversight, contract drafting, legal research and interpretation of statutory and regulatory frameworks, with previous professional exposure in public infrastructure projects and commercial legal work.
Her professional interests lie in corporate governance, institutional accountability and the development of sound legal frameworks that promote stability, transparency and responsible management within corporate and public institutions. She also maintains a growing interest in the relationship between law, environmental sustainability, and emerging global regulatory challenges.
As a young practitioner working in highly technical regulatory environments, she is committed to excellence, continuous professional development and contributing to the advancement of modern legal practice in Malawi.
52.Joëlle B. Kabagambe- Rwanda
Joëlle B. Kabagambe is a practicing lawyer in Rwanda Bar Association since 2010; and serves as a mentor for the African Women’s Network for Access to Justice. She joined Rwanda Bridges to Justice as the Defender Resource Center’s permanent lawyer in 2018 and has become Deputy Director since 2019 to date.
She is the Chairperson, Board of Directors in Empower Rwanda, Board Member/Council Member of Rwanda Bar Association, Board Member/Board of Directors of Legacy Clinic. Recognized with an award as a best social lawyer in Rwanda Bar Association, year 2023.
Currently, she manages a taskforce of 160 lawyers as well as a Justice Hub app, focusing on criminal cases. Advocate Joëlle holds a master’s degree in international criminal law and a bachelor’s degree in law. In 2015, she obtained another diploma from the Institute of Legal Practice and Development in Rwanda (ILPD).
She speaks English, Kinyarwanda, Swahili and has excellent command of French. She is passionate about labor, Commercial, Civil and criminal cases. Furthermore, she is a private notary since 2018.
Advocate Joëlle She serves on the administrative Board of the French International Bar Association and is a member of the Fédération des Associations et Union des Jeunes Avocats as well as the East Africa Law Society.
Advocate Joëlle’s dedication to defending numerous cases with skill and integrity demonstrates her commitment to justice and her determination to leave an indelible impact on Rwanda’s judicial system including working closely with Rwanda Correctional Service on a daily basis.
53.Amelia Peterson– Zimbabwe
Amelia Peterson, J.D., LL.M. is a Zimbabwean-born legal scholar, practitioner, and strategic partnerships leader specializing in energy law, infrastructure governance, and sustainable development across Sub-Saharan Africa. She holds a Juris Doctor and an LL.M. in Energy, Climate, and Environment Law, with academic training grounded in both legal doctrine and international business.
Amelia lectures in Energy Law and Policy at the University of Zimbabwe, where she teaches postgraduate students on electricity market reform, power purchase agreements, renewable energy regulation, and the governance of energy transitions. She supervises LL.M. research and mentors emerging scholars working at the intersection of energy justice, infrastructure privatization, and regulatory reform. Her teaching integrates doctrinal analysis with applied project structuring, exposing students to the legal architecture underpinning independent power production, public–private partnerships, and utility reform in developing economies.
She is also a lecturer in the African Climate Change Program run by Curtin University within its Business Law School. Her teaching focuses on Climate Finance, where she has trained dozens of government officials from countries across Africa on climate-aligned financing mechanisms, institutional design, and regulatory frameworks supporting low-carbon development.
She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Nairobi through CASELAP (Centre for Advanced Studies in Environmental Law and Policy), where her research examines public participation and governance legitimacy in nuclear energy development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Her doctoral work interrogates how constitutional principles, human rights norms, and participatory frameworks shape decision-making in emerging nuclear programmes.
Her broader research agenda examines governance frameworks for energy transitions, regulatory accountability, and the political economy of infrastructure development. She is particularly interested in how law mediates competing claims of energy security, economic development, and environmental justice.
Prior to her current role, Amelia held senior leadership and advisory positions spanning Uganda, Zambia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Cameroon, Kenya, and Tanzania. She has advised government agencies and private-sector actors in the renewable energy space on project structuring, regulatory reform, blended finance strategies, and climate-resilient infrastructure development. Her consulting portfolio includes solar IPP transactions, policy and regulatory assessments, and cross-border infrastructure initiatives, bringing a practitioner’s perspective to complex questions of law, governance, and implementation.
Amelia currently serves as Global Director of Strategic Partnerships at Bridges to Prosperity, where she leads government-facing collaborations to scale climate-resilient rural infrastructure systems. Her work integrates legal expertise, public policy strategy, and institutional capacity building to strengthen sustainable access across multiple jurisdictions.
54. Dorothy Phoebe Mawuena Ayitey– Ghana
Dorothy Phoebe Mawuena Ayitey is an accomplished Ghanaian legal scholar and practitioner, who currently serves as a Lecturer at the University of Ghana School of Law and a Senior Associate of one of Ghana’s renowned law firms, Blagogee, Blacksword and Co.
She teaches International Law, International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law, Gender and the Law, Natural Resources Law, and International Trade and Investment Law.
Deeply driven by a passion for social justice, Phoebe is committed to equipping her students not only with strong legal expertise but also with a profound sense of humanity. She believes in the transformative power of law as a tool for addressing societal challenges and inspiring the next generation of legal professionals to contribute meaningfully to social change.
Phoebe’s research focuses on women and children’s rights, the use of trans-national courts for the enforcement of human rights, and mechanisms for holding mining companies accountable for human rights abuses, particularly regarding environmental and community impacts. Her broader academic interests include global security, sustainability, gender and development, and international economic law.
She holds two Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees: an LL.M. in Global Security, Sustainability, and International Human Rights from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, and an LL.M. in Natural Resources Law from the University of Ghana. She was valedictorian of both LL.M. programmes. She also holds a Barrister-at-Law (BL) qualification from the Ghana School of Law, an LL.B. from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration where she was recognized as the Best Student in Human Rights and International Trade and Investment Law and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from the University of Ghana.
Phoebe is also a Senior Associate at Blagogee, Blacksword & Co, where she leads the Natural Resources and Sustainable Energy, Family Law, and Pro Bono Practice teams of the firm. There, she manages complex legal matters, advises on multinational business operations, facilitates multimillion-cedi property transactions, and successfully defended high-stakes cases involving wrongful accusations and employment disputes, safeguarding her clients’ financial and reputational interests.
Beyond private practice, she has served as a consultant and researcher on human rights issues for both national and international organizations, including the Clooney Foundation for Justice, the Penn Development Research Initiative, and Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). She has also volunteered with the Human Rights Advocacy Centre and serves on the boards of various legal and International law societies.
Through her scholarship, legal practice, and public service, Dorothy Phoebe Mawuena Ayitey has distinguished herself as a leading voice in natural resources law and international human rights law, particularly in advancing accountability, sustainability, and justice for vulnerable communities.
55.Alice Umulisa Kayigamba– Rwanda
Alice kayigamba is the Managing Partner of Probity Partners, East Africa . With 15 years of experience, Alice’s journey began within Rwanda’s Criminal Investigation Department, where she served as Legal Advisor at a formative period in the country’s justice reconstruction. There, she ensured that investigations, interrogations, and arrests met constitutional and international human rights standards embedding due process within law enforcement practice.
She later took on one of the most sensitive mandates in Rwanda’s prosecutorial history: as part of a team coordinating the Genocide Fugitive Tracking Unit at the National Public Prosecution Authority. In that role, she worked across borders to facilitate arrests, extraditions, and cooperation with international justice mechanisms, contributing to global accountability efforts for genocide crimes.
But it is in her sustained defense of the vulnerable that her influence is most deeply felt.
For over a decade, she has represented refugees, journalists, activists, and human rights defenders often in politically sensitive and high-risk cases. As one of a select group of human rights defenders in East Africa, she is trusted with complex litigation involving freedom of expression, preventive detention, minority rights, and access to justice. Her partnership with legal aid institutions and collaboration with UNHCR have ensured that displaced persons and marginalized communities are not left voiceless within the legal system.
A member of the leadership council of the Rwanda Bar Association and a founding member of the Young Lawyers Association of Rwanda (AJAR), she contributes actively to legal reform, professional standards, and Rwanda’s Universal Periodic Review processes. Her work reflects a rare combination of courtroom excellence, policy engagement, and regional human rights advocacy.
Alice Umulisa Kayigamba represents a generation of African women lawyers who are not only practicing law but shaping its moral direction. Her influence lies not merely in positions held, but in lives defended, institutions strengthened, and justice pursued with principled resolve.
56. Murah Kapamba Lupinda– Zambia
Murah Kapamba Lupinda works as a Manager in the Legal Services department at the Zambia Revenue Authority. She is an experienced Zambian legal practitioner with a strong background in public sector law, taxation, and corporate governance. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB Honours) and a Master of Laws in International and Commercial Law from the University of Hertfordshire, a Postgraduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting, and is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCiArb).
She began her legal career in private practice before serving as a Legal Officer at Lusaka City Council and later as a Senior State Advocate at the Ministry of Justice under the Attorney General’s Chambers, where she defended the Government in civil matters and reviewed international agreements.
Since May 2018, she has served as Manager – Legal Services at the Zambia Revenue Authority, specialising in taxation law, court representation including before the Tax Appeals Tribunal, contract review, and the provision of legal advisory services to internal client departments. She currently works within the Board Affairs Unit, supporting the Governing Board on corporate governance and institutional oversight matters.
Murah also contributes to national governance and institutional leadership. She is a member of the Audit and Risk Committee of the Electoral Commission of Zambia and has previously served on the Technical Committee of the Civil Aviation Authority as well as a Board Trustee of the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection. Her career reflects a strong commitment to public service, regulatory excellence, and sound corporate governance.
57.Charlyne Mnamah-Mar Brumskine- Liberia
Charlyne Mnamah-Mar Brumskine is a distinguished Liberian lawyer, entrepreneur, and politician whose career embodies excellence, integrity, and service. She has built a reputation as a trailblazer in law, business, and governance.
As the Principal and Managing Counsellor of CMB Law Group, one of Liberia’s leading law firms, Cllr. Brumskine is a respected authority in corporate and commercial law. She has represented multinational corporations, international NGOs, developmental agencies, Liberian businesses, and the Government of Liberia. Her firm stands as a testament to her entrepreneurial vision, being one of the few woman-established and –led law firms in the country.
Beyond her legal practice, she has dedicated herself to shaping the next generation of legal minds. As a former Assistant Professor of Law at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, she used her nearly 20 years of legal experience to mentor and teach young Liberians, emphasizing the power of legal education as a tool for national transformation.
In 2022, she transitioned into politics. Initially, she campaigned for a representative seat in the national legislature but then transitioned from a legislative candidate to the Presidential ticket after she was selected to be the Vice-Presidential running mate to Mr. Alexander B. Cummings under the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP). Her campaign resonated deeply with Liberians, particularly women and youth, as she championed policies that addressed the importance of visionary stewardship, economic empowerment, justice, and inclusive governance. Known for her intellectual rigor and transformative leadership, she emerged as a formidable force in national politics.
Cllr. Brumskine is also a passionate advocate for access to justice. She founded The Law Belongs to Us, ‘” Gma m̀ à kɔ̃̀ de”, a groundbreaking radio program that educates Liberians on legal rights in the Bassa dialect, ensuring that legal knowledge is accessible to all. Its inaugural show will be in May 2025.
She is the Chair of the Governance Pillar of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), Liberia Chapter. Her focus is on women’s participation in political and governance processes.
She currently serves on the board of Harvest Intercontinental American University, a partnership with Oral Roberts University, USA, dedicated to providing quality education in Liberia. Additionally, she is Chair of the Advisory Council of the Liberty Party and has served on the boards of major institutions, including IB Bank and MNG Gold.
Cllr. Brumskine holds a Juris Doctor (JD) from Howard University School of Law (2002) and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Barnard College, Columbia University, New York (1997). She was Valedictorian of the Liberia Supreme Court Bar Exam (2022) and is admitted to the Liberia National Bar (2014), New York State Bar (2003), and multiple U.S. District Courts. She is currently pursuing a Master of Law degree (LLM) in Corporate and Commercial Law from King’s College London.
With an unwavering commitment to justice, empowerment, and national development, Cllr. Brumskine hopes to continue to shape Liberia’s legal and political future, inspiring a new generation of Liberian leaders.
Brumskine is widely noted as the daughter of Charles Brumskine, founder of the Liberty Party and former President pro tempore of the Liberian Senate and former Presidential Aspirant. She married her partner of five years, Mr. Charles Chanda Dennis. She and her husband have two sons and a daughter.
58.Adesua Erewele- Nigeria
Adesua Erewele is a corporate-commercial lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar and the Founding Partner of Roothe Kharis & Partners, a full-service law firm based in Lagos, Nigeria. She holds an MBA from the University of East London, U.K., and brings over a decade of experience advising businesses, investors, and institutions across diverse sectors.
Her practice uniquely balances courtroom advocacy with the flexibility of the corporate ecosystem. Adesua regularly represents clients in commercial disputes while also providing strategic advisory on transactions, regulatory compliance, and business structuring. Her work spans corporate and commercial law, maritime law, real estate, intellectual property, finance, private equity and venture capital, as well as power, energy, and infrastructure.
A Chartered Arbitrator and trained venture capital and private equity consultant, Adesua is known for combining legal precision with commercial insight. She advises startups, founders, and investors on deal structuring, governance, and intellectual property protection, helping businesses move from early-stage ideas to investment-ready ventures.
Beyond client work, she contributes actively to legal scholarship and policy conversations shaping the future of dispute resolution and innovation in Nigeria. She recently authored the article “The Arbitrability of Intellectual Property Disputes in Nigeria: A Case for Resolving Intellectual Property Disputes Through Arbitration,” published in THISDAY, where she examines the evolving role of arbitration in resolving IP disputes and advocates for stronger frameworks that support innovation and commercial certainty.
Through her work in practice, policy discourse, and legal education, Adesua represents a new generation of African legal professionals leveraging law as both a dispute resolution tool and a strategic driver of enterprise growth. At Roothe Kharis & Partners, she continues to champion legal solutions that support entrepreneurship, investment, and sustainable economic development across the continent.
For founders, investors, and businesses navigating complex legal and regulatory landscapes in Africa, engaging with Adesua and the team at Roothe Kharis & Partners offers strategic legal guidance built for growth and long-term value.
59. Mpho D. Kgabi- South Africa
Mpho D. Kgabi Is an Admitted Attorney High Court of South Africa since 2000 with a Right of Appearance in the High Court since 2017.
She graduated from the University of the North-West forBaccalaureus Procurations, 1998 and furthered her studies at University of Johannesburg (formerly RAU) for a Post Graduate Diploma, Drafting & Interpretation of contracts, 2006 also obtained a Certificate in Leadership Development, 2010 at University of Witwatersrand (Wits Business School)
LEAD, Certificate, Judicial skills for Attorneys, 2017 and Certificate, Practice Management, 2001 and ADR Network South Africa for Program in Mediation, 2020
Attended SAJEI for Aspirant Judges Course, 2021and 2023
A dynamic and experienced, Provincial Operations Executive with a demonstrated track record of ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of quality legal professional services. Skilled in Strategy Development & Implementation and the design of winning operational frameworks. Proficient in Risk Management, Financial Management and Talent Leadership. A diligent and ethical results driven legal executive who is outstanding in leading the provincial team and proactively participating in governance structures of the legal profession. This seasoned attorney boasts a combination of legal professional skills twinned with critical business management and leadership skills.
Accountable for leading the delivery of the Constitutional mandate in respect of providing legal services to vulnerable persons. Responsible for overseeing the continuous improvement in the quality of legal representation, case flow efficiencies, risk management and client satisfaction in the Limpopo& Mpumalanga Provinces of Legal Aid SA. Leading and inspiring a team of some 361 employees to defend and protect the human rights of accused persons and the socioeconomic rights of vulnerable groups since 2013. Also represented Legal Aid SA in bilateral discussions with Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe in 2024. Also appearing in High Court Matters.
Responsible for the strategic oversight, communications, compliance monitoring and positioning of SAWLA as a credible role player representing women within the South African legal services professional sector.
Serving as a Councillor and Member of the Professional Affairs Committee regulating legal practitioners. (2019-2022) Serving as a Chairperson/Member of the Disciplinary
Worked with UNODC: Conducted Training in Liberia on How Legal Aid can assist GBV victims- Involved in development of Training Material for West Africa on the subject matter. Developed presentation and presented in Namibia for SADAC Countries.
Representative of Legal Aid SA in the LSC Steering Committee. Involved in developing the LPC Policy 2020-2021
Acting in the position from 1 March 2022 to 20 January 2023, and leading with Strategies and Performance of the core business of the operations of Legal Aid SA, responsible for 87% of Legal Aid work: Criminal Legal Aid, Data Unit and Training.
Provide Strategic support to the CEO in the development of the Legal Aid Strategic Plan, operations plan, MTEF and annual budgets in relation to the delivery of Legal services offering· Ensure the delivery of quality legal services, through the national footprint· Develop and maintain strategic partnership with the legal profession, by developing, maintaining and managing outsourced system of briefing accredited legal practitioners in order to leverage opportunities for the delivery of legal services. Maintain strategic business partnership with Chief Legal Executive, in order to deliver Civil Legal Practice and Strategic Litigation services objectives. Develop and maintain strategic partnership with Co-operation Partners in order to leverage opportunities for the delivery of legal services in locations outside of Legal Aid SA national footprint. Develop and implement a client relationship management systems to ensure continuous improvement, innovation and responsiveness. Build and execute a roadmap that ensures the regular review of legal services delivery operating systems to ensure continuous improvement, innovation, relevance and responsiveness. Develop and implement Risk and Sustainability management system for legal services· Ensure effective implementation of sound governance framework for legal services delivery system, and oversee compliance with PFMA, legal profession and ethical standards in relation to the Legal Practice Act. Maintain strategic relationship with Chief Operations Executive in relation to systems and collaboration on HR, IT, Finance and Communications. Develop and maintain stakeholder relationship management. Participate as member of Management Executive Committee and Management Committee.
60.Gloria Kashununu Kalabamu– Tanzania
Gloria Kashununu Kalabamu is Former Vice President for Tanzania Mainland Bar Association, the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) and currently Managing partner at Kintsugi Attorneys a law firm based in Dar es Salaam.
A YALI (Young African Leadership Initiative) RLC EA alumna; former Legal Advisor at the Tanzania-US State Alumni Association (TUSSA) and Komboa Jamii kwa Maendeleo, and Current Board Member of the Androse Disability Organization of Tanzania (ADOT).
Has worked at public institution engaging and advising on legal matters to the management, traders, farmers and employees and has together with her colleagues, organized and ran the African Youth Transformational Leadership Summit (AYLTS) promoting the youth to become effective leaders in all aspects of life. Has worked and produced a film on Voters’ education titled “Kura Yako Sauti Yako” and encouraged digital utilization of legal education through a non-governmental organization, FILAMUSHERIA.
She holds a master’s degree in Laws (LLM) and a Bachelor degree in Law (LLB) both from the University of Dar es Salaam and is currently a member of the Industrial Advisory Committee of the University of Dar es Salaam.
61.Mpho Brendah Mabidi– South Africa
Mpho Brendah Mabidi, matriculated from Pace Community College, Jabulani – Soweto in 1996. She acquired her Diploma in Computer Literacy from Metro Training College in 1999. During the year 1998, 1999 & 2006, she enrolled for BComm Law Degree with University of South Africa and courses obtained from the institution were accredited by University of Venda.
In 2007, she enrolled for an LLB Degree with University of Venda which was conferred to her on the 20th of May 2010. During January 2010, she attended Practical Legal Training at Polokwane School for Legal Practice. She also received awards for Outstanding Performance in Administration of Wills and Estate, Commercial Litigation, Attorneys Bookkeeping, Legal Costs, Professional Conduct, Introduction to Conveyancing Practice and Introduction to Practice Management. She served her articles of Clerkship at MG Phatudi Incorporated, Polokwane, Limpopo Province from July 2010 to 31st August 2011.
She was admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of Republic of South Africa in 2011, and has since been in good standing from November 2011 to date. She went on to acquire her Masters of Laws in Labour Law from the University of Limpopo in 2013 and again she received the Top Student Award for her sterling work. In 2014, she completed a course in CCMA Specialist Training. She was appointed part time Commissioner of Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) in May 2014 to date.
Before, she became an Attorney, she worked for Sadiki & Madzivhandila Attorneys as a Legal Secretary from January 2000 to December 2000, in January 2001 to December 2004 she was employed at Sadiki & Associates as a Legal Secretary. In January 2005 to December 2006, she worked for Mathobo Attorneys as a Legal Secretary. During the year 2007, she resigned to further her studies with University of Venda.
After her admission as an Attorney, she went on to practise on her own account from March 2012 till to date under the name and MB Mabidi Attorneys & Conveyancers based in Thohoyandou – Limpopo Province. During November 2020, she was admitted as a Conveyancer.
She is a dedicated member of society aiming to empower the communities in and around her location. From 2014 to 2016 she served as the Treasurer for the Black Lawyers Association (BLA) Limpopo Branch. In 2016, she was elected to the position of Limpopo BLA Deputy Chairperson to November 2020. Since 2017 to 2021, she serves in Limpopo South African Women Lawyers Association (SAWLA) as a Treasurer, where she actively participates in empowering and assisting female Lawyers.
62. Angel Phionah Ampurire– Rwanda
Angel P. Ampurire is a Rwandan entrepreneur, corporate and commercial lawyer, and nonprofit executive with over eight years of experience leading legal, social impact, and institutional ventures. She is an Advocate of the Rwanda Bar Association (RBA), Co-Owner of KC Attorneys, a corporate and commercial law firm advising local and international clients, and the Co-Founder & CEO of Huza Network, a nonprofit organization advancing career readiness for young lawyers and expanding access to justice.
At KC Attorneys, Angel co-leads the firm’s strategic direction and growth, advising clients on corporate and commercial law, governance, and regulatory matters. She oversees institutional strategy, financial performance, and client portfolio development, while spearheading pro bono initiatives that expand access to legal services for underserved communities.
Through Huza Network, she has built a platform that bridges the gap between legal education and professional practice. As CEO, she leads fundraising, partnerships, and program development, mobilizing young lawyers to deliver pro bono legal services and structured mentorship across Rwanda.
A trained lawyer with an MBA, Angel serves on various boards and is committed to strengthening professional ecosystems across Africa. Her leadership philosophy centers on building institutions that integrate commercial sustainability, strong governance, and measurable social impact.
A trained lawyer with an MBA, Angel serves on various boards and is committed to strengthening professional ecosystems across Africa. Her leadership philosophy centers on building institutions that integrate commercial sustainability, strong governance, and measurable social impact.
63. Bowoulo Taylor Kelley– Liberia
Bowoulo Taylor Kelley is a distinguished Human Rights Lawyer with more than 15 years of dedicated service to humanity in partnership with civil society organizations and national human rights institutions in Liberia. She is the current Vice President of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), an institution that has established itself as a leader in advancing women’s rights and promoting excellence in the legal profession. She was also recently appointed to serve as Counsellor at the Embassy of Liberia in Ethiopia, with accreditation to the African Union, in addition to her leadership roles, Kelley is one of the Managing Partners at the Jalah Law Firm in Monrovia, and she serves on the boards of several civil society organizations and educational institutions throughout Liberia.
Kelley has a Master of Laws Degree in Human Rights from the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, a Bachelor of Laws from the Louis Authur Grimes School of Law, University of Liberia, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the African Methodist Episcopal University, complemented by specialized trainings in other areas of the law. She maintains affiliations with esteemed professional organizations at both the national and international levels, contributing to the ongoing development of Liberia’s legal system. She is a member of the Supreme Court Bar of the Republic of Liberia and the Liberian National Bar Association and serves as Vice President of the Bomi County Local Bar Association.
With a distinguished record in legal practice, policy development, and organizational leadership, Taylor Kelley has represented especially indigent clients in both civil and criminal cases, advocating for adherence to the rule of law and reforming discriminatory laws and practices. Her dedication extends to mentoring young female lawyers and collaborating with government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners to address issues affecting women, girls, and older persons. In her leadership role at AFELL,Taylor Kelley has championed initiatives that expand access to justice for vulnerable populations, provide comprehensive legal aid, and address gender-based violence and discrimination. Her active engagement in conferences, seminars, and public forums continues to drive meaningful policy discussions and foster positive change. Her commitment to equity, advocacy, and legal reform has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of justice in Liberia.
Throughout her career, Kelley has contributed significantly to the formulation of key human rights concept strategy papers for the Independent National Human Rights Commission and has represented the Commission at various national and international conferences. Her notable engagements include representing the Commission at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights in The Gambia (2018), facilitating a United Nations workshop on evidence-based policies related to aging in sub-Saharan Africa (Nairobi, Kenya, 2021), and actively participating in the drafting and adoption of the Accra Declaration and plan of action for the protection of human rights defenders, in collaboration with National Human Rights Institutions and human rights defenders in Accra, Ghana (2022). She contributed and led discussions on drafting the anti-female genital mutilation bill that is currently before the national legislature for enactment. She served as a legal consultant and researcher on election matters for the Honourable Supreme Court of Liberia, a role that enabled her to work as the youngest lawyer among former and retired justices on the committee. She was also the lead consultant on the constitutional review committee constituted by the National Civil Society Council of Liberia.
Motivated by a vision of fairness and equal opportunity, Bowoulo Taylor Kelley is dedicated to cultivating an environment where all individuals, regardless of gender, are empowered to achieve their fullest potential. Her tenure at AFELL is marked by integrity, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to elevating the voices of Liberian women.
Taylor Kelley’s professional journey exemplifies leadership, advocacy, and service, positioning her as a highly respected figure within Liberia’s legal community and a passionate champion of women’s rights.
64. Kim Amelia Harris- Liberia
Kim Amelia Harris is a Liberian legal practitioner and management professional with over fifteen years of combined experience in administration, human resource management, and legal practice. She is currently a lawyer at Pierre, Tweh & Associates Inc. and serves as Managing Director at LIBLAW. Cllr. Harris brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to the legal profession, having built a distinguished career spanning both the public and private sectors. Her practice focuses on civil litigation, labor law, legal research, and policy development, with particular expertise in employment relations and workplace compliance.
She obtained a Master of Laws (LLM) in Labour Law and Employment Relations from Tilburg University, The Netherlands and Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, University of Liberia
Prior to her legal career, Attorney Harris held senior administrative roles, including Director for Administration and Operations at the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (2010–2021), and various capacities with Concern Worldwide, an Irish international humanitarian organization.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Civil Litigation – Trial practice and case management before Liberian courts.
Labour Law & Employment Relations – Deep specialization in the Decent Work Act (DWA) 2015 and international labor standards.
Policy Development – Drafting of Personnel Manuals, Internship Policies, and Gender & Sexual Harassment Policies.
Legal Research & Gap Analysis – Review of national labor laws against international instruments
Training & Capacity Building – Workplace training on sexual harassment, violence prevention, and labor rights and provisions of the Decent Work Act.
Administration & Human Resource Management – Performance management, financial planning, and organizational development.
SELECTED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Policy Development & Compliance
Drafted comprehensive Personnel Manuals and Internship Policies for various organizations.
Developed Gender and Sexual Harassment policies with accompanying training modules.
Conducted desk reviews of the Decent Work Act of Liberia, Civil Standing Orders, and related policies.
Performed a Gap Analysis on Equal Remuneration and Minimum Age in alignment with International Labor Instruments.
Training & Capacity Building.
Facilitated multiple training sessions for trade unions and their affiliates on the provisions of the Decent Work Act (DWA) 2015.
Conducted workshops on violence and sexual harassment prevention in the workplace.
Assisted organizations in the rollout and implementation of internal policies.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) – Member
International Lawyers Assisting Workers Network (ILAWN) – Member
Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) – Member
PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY
Counselor Harris believes in the power of teamwork and is deeply committed to achieving organizational goals through collaboration, integrity, and a steadfast dedication to the rule of law.
65.Geline Alfred Fuko- Tanzania
Geline Alfred Fuko is a Tanzanian Advocate of the High Court and Subordinate Courts of Tanzania, a Notary Public, and a Commissioner for Oaths. She is a leading legal innovator advancing democratic governance through technology. She serves as the Executive Director of Tangible Initiatives for Local Development Tanzania, a tech driven, women led organization that promotes the rule of law, institutional accountability, and gender equality through digital systems.
Geline builds systems that expand access to justice and strengthen citizen participation. During Tanzania’s constitutional review process, she led the design and development of the first Online Public Database on Constitutional Resources, giving citizens structured and free access to constitutional materials. She established the Katiba Information Centre and introduced a digital management system to ensure inclusive public access to constitutional resources. Her work on constitutional access earned recognition from President Barack Obama at the Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit in Washington DC in 2016.
In 2017, she founded Tangible Initiatives for Local Development Tanzania to institutionalize the use of technology in advancing legal reform, democratic governance, and gender equality. Under her leadership, the organization developed Bunge Forum, an online parliamentary platform linking citizens directly with Members of Parliament and parliamentary committees to strengthen transparency and participation in law making. She also designed a digital Law Reform Monitoring and Advocacy Tool, enabling lawyers, researchers, and policy actors to track legislative developments affecting civic space.
In 2021, Geline brought together digital innovators from all over Tanzania to showcase innovations focused on preventing and responding to Gender Based Violence and linked them with institutional opportunities and national visibility. Through the National Digital Tools Exhibition and the formation of a network of digital innovators, she strengthened collaboration between technologists, government institutions, and women’s rights actors. During the COVID 19 pandemic, she trained women led organizations to adopt digital platforms for advocacy and coordination, ensuring continuity of civic engagement.
Her professional background includes serving as Program Officer for Democratic Governance, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law at the Open Society Foundation for Eastern Africa, overseeing work across six countries. She has led constitutional reform engagement, media law advocacy, election observation coordination, and international development initiatives grounded in legal analysis and institutional strengthening.
Academically, she holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Dar es Salaam and a Joint European Master in Comparative Local Development from the University of Trento and Corvinus University of Budapest. She is a Mandela Washington Fellow and a Fisher Family Fellow at Stanford University’s Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law.
Her impact has received national and international recognition. In 2016, President Barack Obama publicly acknowledged her contribution to constitutional access, civic empowerment, and bridging the knowledge gap. She received the Best in Artificial Intelligence, Information and Communication Technology Award in 2022 from WOZA Women in Law in South Africa. She was also awarded the Pinnacle Award Second Runner Up in 2022 by WOZA Women in Law.
In 2024, Geline received the Legal Innovation Award from the Tanganyika Law Society, presented by the Deputy Prime Minister of Tanzania, recognizing her contribution to digital transformation in the legal profession. She was also awarded Best Lawyer in ICT by the Tanzania Women Lawyers Association, receiving the award from the Speaker of the National Assembly representing the President of Tanzania, affirming her national leadership in integrating law and technology.
In addition, she received the Leadership Award in 2021 and was named the Queen Mother of Digital Technology in Tanzania by the Tanzania CSOs Women Directors Forum. A chapter about her work was written in the book titled The Women Who Shaped the Women Movement in Tanzania. In 2018, she was named among the Top 50 Most Influential Young Tanzanians and ranked among the Top 5 in the Civil Society category by Avance Media. She received the Erasmus Mundus Association Star Award in 2015. She also received a Certificate of Award for tireless service toward the Rule of Law and Democracy from the Coalition for Women Human Rights Defenders. She was recognized by the Legal and Human Rights Centre for coordinating a human rights advocacy initiative at Mount Kilimanjaro. On International Women’s Day 2018, she was celebrated among the Top 11 Tanzanian Women by the Embassy of Sweden in Tanzania.
Geline Alfred Fuko drives measurable institutional change. She builds platforms that increase transparency, widen access to legal information, strengthen parliamentary engagement, and advance gender responsive innovation. Her work reflects sustained impact at national, regional, and global levels.
66. Janet Othero- Kenya
Janet is a transactional advocate of the High Court of Kenya with over 15 years of experience advising and representing diverse clientele. She has a reputable corporate and commercial background, enabling her to offer legal support to clients in the banking, fintech, telecommunications, and information technology sectors. Janet holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi and a post graduate diploma from the Kenya School of Law.
Janet is an IAPP-certified information privacy manager who has the skill to help companies develop and maintain agile privacy frameworks. She is also a certified EU GDPR practitioner and Data Protection Officer.
Her areas of expertise have sharpened by global legislative, regulatory, and policy changes in addition to the ever-dynamic developments in the digital sectors. Janet has offered legal support in data privacy and governance, cyber-resilience, fintech and neo-payment systems, artificial intelligence, and corporate governance.
Her areas of advisory and representation have included setting up, regulatory compliance, innovation support, governance, transactional and deal-making support, corporate restructuring, and dispute resolution. She has extended these legal services to startups, incubation hubs, local private entities, multinationals, government agencies and as well not for profit organizations.
Janet has been at the forefront of emerging legislation governing the ICT and fintech sectors by participating in stakeholder recommendations and implementation of the regulations once enacted. This has made it easy to advise and prepare clients, locally and internationally on how to align their business strategies with the incoming requirements. She has offered legal support in licensing requirements of regulators such as the Companies Registrar, Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), the Communications Authority (CA), the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC), and the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA).
She has also participated in various regional and international thought leadership engagements where she has managed to exchange knowledge on global practices affecting private and public entities. This has led to the creation of professional networks that have become solid affiliations of like-minded practitioners who are skilled to provide similar legal support to multinationals who are keen on always increasing their global footprint.
Janet was the second runner-up in the partner of the year category in 2022 Law Society of Kenya, Nairobi Branch awards, owing to her skills in managing an emerging practice area as well as overseeing mentorship efforts of young advocates. She is chairperson of the East Africa Law Society’s -EALS Data Privacy Committee.
She has been ranked severally in Chambers Global and Partners as a go-to fintech advocate in the region. She is a distinguished practitioner whose expertise and client-centred approach has earned constant ranking in the prestigious directory therefore cementing her reputation as a leader in the corporate-commercial space within the fintech and ICT sectors.
Janet combines her legal insights with industry knowledge to deliver actionable results for her clients. Her commitment to fostering long-term partnerships with innovative and agile legal solutions makes her sought after by organizations seeking sustainable business goals.
She has also mentored several young lawyers and serves in an advisory capacity to a training institution that aims to equip underprivileged girls with ICT skills and match them with employment opportunities.
67. Ncumisa Nongogo- South Africa
Nongogo has a B. Juris from the University of Transkei and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) also from the University of Transkei. She is an admitted Attorney and Conveyancer of the High Court of South Africa. She is a practicing attorney and director at Malusi and Company Attorneys in East London. Before this, she was employed by the AIDS Legal Network of South Africa as a Provincial Co-Ordinator for the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province and later employed as the National Training Co-Ordinator.
Ms Nongogo previously served as the Vice-President of the then Cape Law Society. She served her articles of Clerkship with the Legal Aid Board in the Pietermaritzburg Legal Aid Clinic. She was a board member and trustee of IKhala Trust, a micro finance nonprofit organisation, based in Port Elizabeth. She was also the Chairperson of the Legal Practice Council for the Eastern Cape Province. Ms Nongogo is also a member of the NEC for the National Democratic Lawyer’s Association.
68. Lilian Mndeme– Tanzania
Lilian Mndeme is a distinguished Tanzanian Advocate with 10 years of experience, specialising in banking law, corporate compliance, and civil litigation. Currently serving as a Legal officer at Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank, she is recognised for her strategic approach to case management and her unwavering commitment to proactive client advocacy.
Lilian’s legal career began with a robust academic journey, earning a Bachelor of Laws (2013) from Mzumbe University. She later obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law School of Tanzania in 2016. In 2015.
She first demonstrated her commitment to public service as a Civil Instructor at the Legal and Human Rights Centre. During this time, she facilitated public constitutional awareness through radio programs and forums and authored educational materials on human and constitutional rights.
In 2016, Lilian joined Authentic Attorneys as an Advocate. Over nearly four years, she managed a diverse portfolio, representing clients before government agencies and courts. Her achievements during this period include: Corporate Litigation & Mediation: Successfully represented one of the big Insurance Company Limited, winning key cases and securing amicable resolutions through skilled mediation. Risk Management: Acted as a Litigant and Corporate Advocate for one of the renowned Bank Tanzania, where she guided the institution through complex regulatory compliance and protected the bank against significant legal risks.
Since 2020, Lilian has further solidified her reputation as a results-driven professional during her tenure as a Legal Consultant. Notable highlights include: Banking & Finance Excellence: For one of the big banks, she oversaw the preparation and registration of critical security documentation, such as mortgage and debenture deeds.
Professional Philosophy Lilian’s practice is defined by a client-centric approach, combining rigorous analytical research with innovative problem-solving. Whether through facilitating settlements or managing complex legal risks, she remains dedicated to delivering personalised legal solutions that safeguard her clients’ best interests.
69. Linda Ndambiri- Kenya
Linda Ndambiri is a highly accomplished prosecutor with over twelve (12) years of extensive experience and a proven track record in prosecuting children’s cases. She has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and measurable impact in advancing access to justice for vulnerable children.
As the Head of the Children’s Division within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Kenya, she oversees the prosecution of cases involving child victims and witnesses, as well as children in conflict with the law, ensuring that their rights and welfare are protected at every stage of the judicial process. Under her leadership, the division has strengthened child sensitive prosecution practices and enhanced safeguards to better protect children within the justice system.
Linda holds an Executive Master’s in Peace and Security in Africa from the Institute of Peace and Security Studies, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. She also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law, and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA).
Throughout her career, Ndambiri has successfully led and supported prosecutions that resulted in the conviction of perpetrators and the imposition of strong punitive sentences, sending a clear message that child abuse and exploitation will not be tolerated. Among her notable achievements is her role in the successful prosecution arising from the widely publicized BBC exposé on the Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital child trafficking case, which brought attention to systemic exploitation. She also played a critical role in prosecuting cases of online child sexual exploitation and abuse, including the landmark Jan Int Veld case, demonstrating her ability to respond effectively to emerging and complex forms of child exploitation.
Beyond courtroom success, Ndambiri is a transformative reformer within the justice sector. She has pioneered the implementation of plea bargaining and diversion, significantly reducing the backlog of children’s cases and ensuring more child sensitive approaches to justice. Her leadership has extended to capacity building, where she has trained prosecutors, magistrates, advocates, police officers and children officers strengthening institutional capacity nationwide. She is a member of the National Council on the Administration of justice Standing committee on children matters.
Her contributions to policy development further underscore her commitment to systemic reform. She has led in the development of the ODPP’s Guide to child friendly interviews and has been instrumental in the formulation of the ODPP’s Diversion Policy, Prosecutors guide to children in the criminal justice system, Standard Operating Procedures on the Investigation and Prosecution of Trafficking in Persons, frameworks that continue to shape and improve the prosecution of cases.
As part of her strong commitment to mentoring and nurturing the next generation of legal professionals, Ndambiri has actively engaged with fourth year law students at the Strathmore University as a guest lecturer. In this role, she shares her extensive practical experience in prosecuting child abuse and exploitation cases, offering students valuable insights into child sensitive prosecution.
Through her unwavering commitment, strategic leadership, and measurable impact, Ms. Ndambiri has transformed the landscape of child protection within the justice system. She exemplifies integrity, courage, giving and compassion in service of the most vulnerable members of society: its children.
70.Felista Kimanuka Mubyeyi– Rwanda
Felista Kimanuka Mubyeyi is an accomplished corporate lawyer with over 15 years of experience advising leading organizations in Africa. She specializes in corporate governance, ESG, mergers and acquisitions, banking, finance law and regulatory compliance with a proven track-record of structuring complex cross-border transactions and guiding boards on best governance practices.
Currently serving as the Company Secretary and General Counsel at Bank of Kigali Plc, she is responsible for developing, leading and monitoring the legal and corporate governance strategy often bridging the gap between commercial goals and legal safeguards.
Prior to joining Bank of Kigali, Felista worked at Banque Populaire du Rwanda as its Country Head of Legal and Company Secretary. She also worked at RwandAir Ltd as the Chief Legal Advisor & Company Secretary as the lead contract negotiator for critical high value contracts in aviation as well as the spearheading of corporate governance advisory.
A Chevening scholar, Felista holds a Masters in Law and Development from the University of Manchester (LLM), a Bachelor’s Law Degree from the University of Witwatersrand (LLB), a Diploma in Sustainable Business and Responsible Leadership from the Swedish Institute of Management and a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Institute of Legal Practice Development (ILDP).
71. GuGu Nomkhosi Matiwane- Kingdom of Eswatini
Gugu is a seasoned corporate executive and Admitted Attorney of the High Court of Eswatini with 16 years’ experience in the financial services sector of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Gugu currently serves as Chief Risk Officer for FNB Eswatini.
She holds a Master of Business Administration, a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) and a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Eswatini where she graduated with a Benn Dunn Moot Court Award for Best Overall Advocacy Ability.
In her early days Gugu served her community through volunteering, namely; at the Magistrates Court in her hometown as a student prosecutor, serving as a committee member for the law society public relations committee, diligently publishing legal articles in the local newspaper for the benefit of Eswatini citizens, serving probono as board member for a non-profit organization and now as one of the first members of the Ethics Committee of the Institute of Accountants in Eswatini. Most recently, Gugu has been pivotal in setting up of the Institute of Risk Management South Africa Eswatini Chapter and serves as a committee member of the Chapter.
Gugu started her career serving articles which later saw her invited into the High of Eswatini bar in March 2012. She then transitioned into corporate Eswatini and worked for the Financial Services Regulatory Authority as Legal Officer where she diligently led the registration of the organization as a corporate member of the International Pension and Employee Benefits Lawyers Association (IPEBLA) an organization with provides thought leadership in global pensions law. It is through IPEBLA where Gugu again served not only by attending the International Conference which was in Berlin Germany in 2011, but she later suggested a topic “Assessing and Managing Service Providers in Pension Provision” which was duly accepted with an invitation for her to write and deliver the paper at a conference which was held in Montego Bay, Jamaica in 2012.
In preparing for this trip, Gugu drew strength from Toast Masters International where she started off as a member to prepare for her public speaking engagement but later found herself serving as secretary of the local Toast Masters. Her drive for growth and contextual intelligence sparked an interest in wanting to apply the law in business. The right opportunity came with Stanlib and Liberty Life Eswatini in 2013 where she took on the role of Company Secretary, Legal, Risk and Compliance which introduced her to risk management. To help her execute her role with excellence, Gugu took on associate membership with the Institute of Risk Management South Africa and later sat for the board exam and qualified as a Certified Risk Management Practitioner (CRMPrac) with the Institute.
Gugu’s passion for business and the law has carried her through multiple roles in the Eswatini financial services. Beyond Stanlib and Liberty Life Eswatini, Gugu worked for Standard Bank Eswatini as Head Risk Governance, Eswatini Development Finance Corporation where she successfully set up the risk and compliance department. It is during this time that Gugu contributed to the development of the University of Eswatini Institute of Distance Education Company Law Module as reviewer of the content. A contribution she is proud of. Gugu then transitioned to MTN Fintech as the first Senior Manager Risk and Compliance and now FNB Eswatini as Chief Risk Officer, a role she not only values but enjoys. Gugu values relationships and seeing others succeed, she is energized by career pivot conversations whether with her current or former team members, colleagues and particularly enjoys engaging with university students seeking career guidance.
72.Palesa Ledwaba- South Africa
Palesa is an admitted legal practitioner of the High Court of South Africa with 10 years post admission experience. Her specialties include Tax Law – where she is well-versed with the Customs & Excise Act; Tax Administration Act, and Income Tax Act, Administrative Law, Conducting and Chairing inquiries/investigations, Contract Law – drafting and interpretation, Corporate Law, Drafting of agreements as well as advise on Statutory Compliance.
Being the youngest serving CEO since the incorporation of the firm
Heading the establishment of a then new branch to the firm in 2014 (Mafikeng branch) Gauteng Branch Deputy Chairperson of the Black Lawyers Association
Appointed to serve in committees of the Provincial Legal Practice Council
Litigating in the Constitutional Court
Playing an instrumental part in the successful opposition of various tax reviews and appeals involving capital well over billions, for SARS, including an appeal against high profiled individuals, prominent mines and one involving military goods worth $83million
Representing a client in a multi-million construction agreement dispute
Pro-bono services: partnering with institutions such as ProBono.org, Funanani Trust, Dream Team Foundation, Pledge a Pad movement, National Association of persons with Cerebral Palsy and the Soweto Association of persons living with Disabilities.
73. Dr Charissa Fawole- South Africa
Dr Charissa Fawole is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Public Law, University of Johannesburg. She was appointed to the faculty in 2021. She is the module coordinator for International Law at the undergraduate level and forms part of the lecturing team for Introduction to Legal Studies. Dr Fawole is one of the co-developers and co-presenters of the short learning programme (SLP) Children’s Rights in an African Context.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Relations and Development Studies and a JD (Juris Doctor) from the University of Windsor in Canada and an LLM and LLD from Stellenbosch University.
Dr Fawole was called to the bar in 2010 and practised in the area of civil litigation at a boutique insurance firm. She remains a member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario (formerly the Law Society of Upper Canada). Prior to entering private practice, she was a Visiting Lawyer at the Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ-Kenya) as a participant in the Canada Bar Association’s Young Lawyers International Internship Program.
She began her academic career as a post-doctoral research fellow at Stellenbosch University, where she taught International Law and Children’s Rights in the LLM-by-coursework programme and co-developed and taught an LLM module on Forced Migration and Children’s Rights. She was also a post-doctoral research fellow at the South African Institute for Advanced Constitutional, Public, Human Rights and International Law (SAIFAC) a centre of the University of Johannesburg.
Her research focuses on children’s rights, international law, forced migration, and human rights with a particular focus on Africa. She is an affiliate of the Global Engagement Network on Internal Displacement in Africa (GENIDA). She has presented her work is a national international conference and regularly teaches as short courses on forced migration.
Dr Fawole is also the Strategic Lead of the iKamva Initiative: Developing a New Generation of Women Legal Leaders. The iKamva Initiative is a project of the Faculty of Law with the aim of empowering black female law students and black female early career academic enter, remain, thrive and take up positions of leadership in the legal industry.
74. Dr. Thandiwe Hlatshwayo- Eswatini
Dr. Hlatshwayo serves as a part-time lecturer in Law of Contract at the University of Eswatini.
In a sector where law, governance, and industry intersect, Dr. Thandiwe Hlatshwayo stands out as a formidable force shaping the future of corporate leadership in Eswatini. As a Director at Stefanutti Stocks Construction, she brings a powerful combination of legal expertise, academic distinction, and executive influence to one of the country’s most demanding industries.
Dr. Hlatshwayo’s career is anchored in an exceptional academic foundation, holding a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), a Master of Laws (LLM) in Corporate Law, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Construction Management. Additionally, Dr. Hlatshwayo is an Admitted Attorney of the High Court of Eswatiniand a Chartered HR Practitioner, a distinction that reflects her dual expertise across legal practice and human capital leadership.This rare combination enables her to navigate complex legal, regulatory, and operational landscapes with precision, positioning her as a trusted authority in corporate governance and compliance.
With over 15 years of leadership experience, she has played a central role in shaping organizational strategy, leading legal and compliance functions, and strengthening corporate services within the construction sector. Her work reflects a consistent commitment to ethical leadership, accountability, and sustainable organizational growth.
Her influence extends far beyond the corporate environment into national governance and policy development. She serves as Chairperson of the Industrial and Vocational Training Board, where she drives skills development initiatives critical to Eswatini’s economic future. In addition, she holds the position of Deputy Chairperson of the Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority and contributes to several key institutions, including Business Eswatini and the Citizen Economic Empowerment Council – demonstrating her far-reaching impact across both public and private sectors.
A dedicated mentor and academic, Dr. Hlatshwayo serves as a part-time lecturer in Law of Contract at the University of Eswatini, where she bridges theory and practice by equipping future legal professionals with practical, real-world insight. Her contributions to academia extend to the development of 3 legal modules and a growing body of published research focused on legislative frameworks within the construction industry.
Her thought leadership is particularly evident in her published work addressing legislative coherence and regulatory effectiveness in developing economies – research that contributes meaningfully to ongoing conversations around infrastructure development and governance in Africa.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Hlatshwayo is deeply committed to social impact. Through the Hope for the Girl Child Foundation, she actively empowers young women from vulnerable backgrounds, creating pathways to education and long-term success. Her role as an SOS Children’s Villages Ambassador further reflects her dedication to uplifting communities and advocating for those in need.
Her contributions have earned her recognition, including the Women of Impact Leadership (WOMPACT) Award 2025, affirming her role as a leader defined not only by excellence, but by purpose. She has also participated in regional and international platforms, including engagements with the International Labour Organization on advancing decent work within the construction sector and women empowerment.
Driven by integrity, guided by expertise, and grounded in impact, Dr. Thandiwe Hlatshwayo continues to redefine what leadership looks like at the intersection of law, governance, and industry in Africa.
75. Namatirai Ruzvidzo- Zimbabwe
Namatirai is a Senior Partner at Ruzvidzo Legal Counsel. She is a distinguished registered legal practitioner with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Degree from the University of Zimbabwe (2010) and a post-graduate diploma in strategic leadership and applied corporate governance. She holds qualifications as a Conveyancer and Notary Public, and brings over 15 years of exemplary legal practice experience to her work.
With extensive expertise in banking, finance, commercial, and private law, Namatirai has established a strong reputation for providing top-notch legal services to financial institutions, corporations, and high-net-worth individuals. She commenced her legal career in 2011 with Gutu and Chikowero Attorneys-at-law, where she completed her pupillage. Subsequently, she served as Country Legal Counsel at BancABC (2013), where she gained substantial experience in structuring and documenting complex financial transactions, including syndicated loans, project financing, and mergers and acquisitions. From 2016 to 2019, she held the position of Group Legal Counsel and Company Secretary at Slice Distributors, where she established the inaugural board and provided strategic advice on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and labour matters.
In 2019, Namatirai established her own commercial practice, where she specializes in advising corporations and individuals on legal and regulatory compliance, board governance, risk assessments, mergers and acquisitions, estate planning, and trust and estate administration. She is highly skilled in negotiating and drafting commercial contracts, including purchase agreements, distribution contracts, and joint venture agreements for various corporate clients.
Beyond her professional practice, Namatirai has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to legal reform and community development. As a firm proponent of corporate social responsibility, she serves as a Board Member on several philanthropic organisations, including the EatOut Movement, an organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of homeless individuals in Zimbabwe. Through her law firm, she is actively involved in Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, providing pro bono legal advice and assisting voluntary organizations with registration and governance matters.
Recognizing the importance of nurturing the next generation of legal professionals, Namatirai founded Advocates in the Making (AIM), an organization dedicated to mentoring young female lawyers. Through AIM, she provides mentees with practical learning opportunities within her law firm, exposing them to real-world legal practice and professional development. Looking forward, AIM aims to establish a scholarship fund to support bright students who cannot otherwise afford law school, thereby removing financial barriers to legal education and promoting diversity within the profession.
Namatirai is a passionate advocate for business law and corporate social responsibility. She regularly contributes as a newspaper columnist for the Business Times, where she educates the public on the necessity and importance of business law in commercial transactions. Additionally, she is a frequent guest on ZiFM, a leading radio station, where she shares insights on current affairs and developments within the legal space, further contributing to public legal awareness and discourse.
Through her multifaceted contributions to the legal profession, community development, and the mentorship of emerging female lawyers, Namatirai exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated legal professional committed to excellence, reform, and the advancement of the legal profession in Zimbabwe.
76.Hope Ndao-Luchembe-Zambia
Hope Ndao-Luchembe is the Head Legal at Copperbelt Energy Corporation Plc, one of Zambia’s key energy companies. With over 11 years of experience, she has built an impressive career advising on complex local and cross-border commercial transactions and strategic projects across multiple sectors.
Her expertise spans banking & finance—including corporate finance, debt and trade finance, project finance, sovereign debt, ESG and green financing, and debt restructuring—alongside mergers & acquisitions, energy, mining, capital markets, impact investment & sustainability, employment, and general corporate and commercial law. In addition to her transactional work, Hope is a keen litigator in employment law disputes, having played a pivotal role in successfully defending and advancing various employment matters. Hope’s practice is distinguished by her ability to navigate intricate regulatory landscapes while delivering commercially sound and forward-looking legal solutions.
Hope’s commitment to excellence has been evident throughout her career. She was awarded Best Graduating Student by the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education for the 2016/2017 intake and has been recognized as a Notable Practitioner in the IFLR1000 2025 edition for Banking and Finance, Capital Markets, and Projects and Energy in Zambia.
77. Immaculate Muthoni- Kenya
Sr. Immaculate Muthoni is not only an advocate of the High court of Kenya but a member of the Little Sisters of Saint Francis (LOSSF) where she also serves as a nun. Her academic journey reflects a deliberate commitment to excellence, specialization, and continuous professional growth, setting herself apart from the rest.
She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) from the Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA), which laid the foundation for her legal career, followed by the Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law, qualifying her as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. She has also undertaken professional training in Monitoring and Evaluation with the Kenya Institute of Management, strengthening her capacity in project assessment, performance tracking, and institutional accountability. Currently, she is pursuing Arbitration studies with Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Kenya Limited, further deepening her expertise in dispute resolution and alternative justice mechanisms.
When people picture a Catholic religious sister, they image a woman in a habit, perhaps teaching, praying quietly in a chapel, or caring for the sick. Few imagine a religious sister in a courtroom, dressed in professional attire, standing before a judge, and introducing herself not just as “Advocate Immaculate Muthoni,” but as “Sister Immaculate Muthoni.” In her own words, her vocation as a Catholic religious sister and her career as an Advocate are not opposing paths, but expressions of the same calling to serve, defend human dignity, and pursue justice with integrity. While society often confines women religious to convents, classrooms, or hospitals, rarely imagining them in courtrooms or boardrooms, Sr. Immaculate stand as evidence that such stereotypes are incomplete. In appearing before the bench as “Advocate Immaculate Muthoni,” while also being “Sister Immaculate Muthoni,” she embodies a form of religious life that is intellectually rigorous, professionally engaged, and socially responsive proving that faith and legal excellence can coexist and mutually strengthen one another.
Sr. Immaculate currently serves as the Legal Officer at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) is an accredited trainer by the National Training Authority, and a legal auditor recognized by the Law Society of Kenya. In this role, she provides legal advisory services, manage litigation, draft and review contracts, coordinate regulatory compliance, and support institutional governance structures. Her position requires sound judgment, high ethical standards, and the ability to balance legal risk with strategic institutional objectives. This experience has strengthened her leadership, analytical, and dispute resolution skills, aligning directly with the values of excellence and professional distinction.
Sr. Immaculate has consistently invested in her professional development. She has commenced training in Arbitration and has enrolled for a Master’s degree in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) at Daystar University. This advanced academic pursuit complements her practical experience at CUEA and demonstrates her commitment to strengthening institutional dispute resolution frameworks.
Sr. has presented conference papers on emerging legal issues and has prepared a manuscript for a forthcoming book on conveyancing. These contributions reflect her dedication to knowledge development and the advancement of legal scholarship, particularly in areas affecting governance and property law.
Beyond institutional practice, Sr. Muthoni actively contributes to community legal awareness through educational content shared on social media platforms under the name and style of Immaculate & Co Advocates. She also handles pro bono matters at Baricho Law Courts in Kirinyaga County promoting access to justice for underserved communities. Her public legal education initiatives bridge the gap between legal theory and societal impact.
Sr. Immaculate’s work has earned meaningful recognition. She has been fondly referred to as “The Nun-Advocate,” a title reflecting integrity, discipline, and a service-oriented approach to legal practice. In 2025, Tally Africa honored her as the Knowledge Advocate of the Year, acknowledging her contribution to legal scholarship and professional excellence.
Sr. Muthoni’s professional work and community impact has attracted international attention. She has been interviewed by BBC, K47, KBC, Inooro Tv, Nation Media Group, Vatican News, and other media houses regarding her legal advocacy and social engagement. These platforms have amplified the reach of her work and affirmed its broader societal relevance.
Through Immaculate & Co. Advocates, Sr. Muthoni has established a principled and distinct professional identity grounded in competence, ethical practice, and client-centered service. Sister upholds high ethical standards in all aspects of her practice, ensuring regulatory compliance, institutional accountability, and the preservation of professional integrity.
She is currently mentoring two young advocates, guiding them in ethical practice, legal research, and professional growth. She believes mentorship is essential for sustaining excellence within the profession.
Sr. Muthoni embraces innovation and initiative in legal practice, particularly in dispute resolution, compliance systems, and legal writing. The quality of her work is consistently thorough, research-driven, and solution-oriented, with measurable institutional and community impact.
Her journey stands as a testament to the power of courage, conviction, giving and consistency. By embracing both her vocation and her profession without compromise, she challenges limiting narratives and opens new pathways for women, faith leaders, and legal practitioners alike. Her life affirms that one does not have to choose between spiritual commitment and professional excellence the two can coexist, strengthen one another, and together become a force for justice, integrity, and transformative leadership in society.
78.Nqobille Ngcongo– South Africa
Nqobile Ngcongo is currently practicing as a Legal Practitioner and Director under the name and style, Livingston Leandy Incorporated, a law firm with a history that goes back more than 135 years. Nqobile graduated with a LL.B from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2014.
Nqobile is a holder of a Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Relations from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, obtained in 2021. Of recent, Nqobile has extended her specialty and offering and complyeted an Advanced Programme in Insolvency Litigation and Administration Practice through the University of Pretoria.
Nqobile has extensive experience in the area of Civil Litigation, in the Magistrates’ Court, the Regional and High Court. Nqobile commenced her litigation experience commenced with personal injury law. Her experience stems from her extensive involvement in Personal Injury claims for approximately over 6 years.
Nqobile also has Magistrate and High Court Civil litigation relating to foreclosures and commercial recoveries. Nqobile is presently the Head of Foreclosure and Commercial Recoveries Department and oversees a team of 3 paralegals and 2 Candidate Attorneys. Nqobile is familiar with all aspects of commercial recoveries and collections, as well as the applicable governing legislation. In order to achieve the best results for the recoveries and collections clients, Nqobile keeps abreast with updates in the law or interpretations by the Courts that may impact the recoveries procedure.
Of recent, my specialty and offering have extended to Insolvency, wherein she able to deal with sequestration and liquidation applications, including the post-commencement litigation, the procedure to administer an insolvent estate, as well as the regulatory framework for business rescue, statutory compromises, and related intervening applications.
Nqobile has held the role of Head and Chairperson of the Employment Equity Committee at Livingston Leandy and is Member Human Resource Team at Livingston Leandy since March 2020.
Nqobile, in her current position as a leader and member of the Human Resource Team is well positioned to positively influence and create opportunities for younger professionals, scholars, and students. Through her involvement in recruitment and the facilitation of vacation programme opportunities, she helps open doors for emerging talent and contributes to meaningful change in developing the next generation of professionals.
79. Igxtelle Mba-Acha- Cameroun
Igxtelle is the visionary founder of The Association of Privacy Lawyers in Africa and a distinguished international attorney with 13 years of experience in global privacy compliance. With a deep expertise in navigating the complex landscape of data protection, she has been instrumental in helping both product and engineering teams drive innovation while maintaining robust privacy practices. Her proven ability to mitigate privacy risks across emerging technologies and manage large-scale global data governance projects showcases her leadership in privacy operations and compliance strategies.
As Lead Counsel-Privacy Compliance at Meta, Igxtelle developed, refined, and championed global privacy strategies, including privacy assessments, privacy-by-design, and comprehensive compliance documentation. She built Cameroon’s first-ever Compliance and Enforcement Framework for Child Online Protection and has provided counsel to international teams on critical privacy operations, particularly in the area of data subject rights and escalations. Igxtelle has successfully conducted Privacy Impact Assessments for cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning, ensuring compliance with global privacy regulations and identifying key risk areas for product teams. She has advised on privacy compliance across diverse sectors such as payment processing, insurance, employment, and marketing, with deep expertise in consent management, cookie compliance, and cross-border data transfers. Providing legal counsel on international privacy laws, she has helped organizations navigate the complexities of data governance, third-party risk, and privacy policies. From her impactful work at Meta and iRobot, to leading privacy initiatives across Africa, Igxtelle’s expertise in privacy law, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance is unparalleled.
80. Bessie Gondwe-Nxumalo- Kingdom of Eswatini
Bessie Gondwe-Nxumalo is an admitted Attorney of the High Court of Eswatini and the Founding Attorney of Gondwe and Associates, a 100% female-owned law firm established on the 1st April 2025. Her professional journey reflects resilience, ambition, and the transformative impact of determined women in the legal profession.
She began her legal career in 2008 as a Legal Secretary. After five years in that role, driven by a deep eagerness for growth and professional advancement, she enrolled for a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 2013 while continuing to work full-time. Her decision to pursue her studies while employed demonstrates discipline, courage, and an unwavering commitment to self-development.
Her dedication yielded results. In 2018, she advanced to Candidate Attorney and was admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of Eswatini in December 2020. Her progression from support staff to admitted Attorney stands as a powerful testament to perseverance and intentional career growth.
Her practice focuses on civil litigation, labour law, family law, and estate
administration. She is recognised for her meticulous legal drafting, strategic courtroom advocacy, and her ability to approach sensitive matters – particularly those affecting women and families – with both firmness and empathy.
In April 2025, she demonstrated entrepreneurial courage by establishing her own independent legal practice. As the founder of a 100% female-owned law firm, she contributes meaningfully to increasing female ownership and leadership within the legal sector in Eswatini. Through her leadership, she models excellence and inspires young women entering the profession to pursue ambitious career paths.
In May 2025, she was co-opted as a Council Member of the Law Society of Eswatini, where she contributes to governance oversight, professional standards, and initiatives aimed at strengthening unity, ethical practice, and inclusivity within the legal profession.
On the 20th February 2026, she further extended her professional scope by registering with the Intellectual Property Office and qualifying as Trade Marks Agent, enhancing her ability to support entrepreneurs and innovators in protecting their intellectual property and commercial identities.
She is also a member of the Pan African Game Changers, aligning herself with visionary African leaders committed to transformative impact across the continent.
Academically accomplished, she holds:
- Master of Laws (LLM) in Family Law (In Progress), University of South Africa
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of South Africa
- Diploma in Legal Assistance (Cum Laude), Tshwane University of Technology
Grounded in integrity, continuous learning, and service, Bessie Gondwe-Nxumalo represents a new generation of women in law — principled, entrepreneurial, and purpose-driven. Her career trajectory affirms that with courage, discipline, and vision, women can rise from any starting point to positions of influence and leadership.
81. Vivian Matsa– Zimbabwe
Vivian Matsa is a lawyer with a strong passion for real estate, estate planning and woman empowerment. With a background spanning business, corporate, and estate planning law, she has strong interest in perspectives on how real estate can drive economic growth and community transformation. Vivian has advised on various matters, helping clients navigate complex legal and regulatory frameworks with clarity and confidence.
As a wife and mother to three young girls, she acts as an inspirational role model to young women through her drive and leadership! She has received recognition from various organisations and is an award winner.
Vivian is a well experienced legal practitioner, being a graduate of the University of
Zimbabwe with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) Degree and a Master of Laws Degree
specializing in Commercial Law and Corporate Governance from the University of London.
She is currently practicing with Vivian Matsa Law Offices as the Managing Partner. Her team is committed to supporting investors, developers, individuals, corporates and families in unlocking their full potential in different spheres that may catch their interest.
82. Hadiza Nasir Ahmad– Nigeria
Hadiza Nasir Ahmad, Esq., was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2016 and is an active and dedicated member of the Nigerian Bar Association, consistently demonstrating a strong commitment to service within the legal profession.
She currently serves as the Assistant Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kano Branch, where she contributes to the administration and activities of the Branch. Her passion for mentoring and advancing young lawyers led her to serve as Secretary of the Young Lawyers Forum (YLF), Kano Branch from 2022 to 2024, after previously serving as an Executive Member of the Forum from 2020 to 2022.
Hadiza has also contributed to several important committees within the Association, including the Citizens’ Liberties Committee and the Defunct NBA Electoral Reform and Audit Committee (2020–2022). At the national level, she served as a Member of the Media Team to the National Chairman of the NBA Young Lawyers Forum (2023–2024). She has further been involved in major NBA events and activities, serving as a Member of the NBA Annual General Conference (AGC) 2024 Sports Subcommittee as well as a Member of the NBA Kano Branch Sports Committee.
Within the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (NBAWF), Hadiza continues to champion the growth and development of female lawyers. She currently serves as the Head of the Young Female Lawyers Committee (2024 – Present), having previously served as Coordinator of the Committee from 2022 to 2024. She has also contributed to the planning and success of the International Women’s Day Conference on four different occasions as a member of the planning committee.
Through her various roles and engagements, Hadiza Nasir Ahmad, Esq. remains committed to strengthening the legal profession, supporting young lawyers, and advancing the ideals of the Nigerian Bar Association.
83.Kgalalelo Matabane- South Africa
Kgalalelo Matabane is a dedicated and accomplished legal practitioner admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa, with a strong focus on family law and advocacy for vulnerable populations. She currently serves as the President of the Innovative Network of Legal Practitioners Association of South Africa (INLPASA), a platform that connects and empowers legal professionals committed to excellence and transformation in the legal profession.
Matabane holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from North-West University, where she laid the foundation for her legal expertise. She is currently pursuing her LLM with the focus on Family Law at the University of South Africa to further sharpen her understanding of legal processes. She gained valuable experience at the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development as a Maintenance Officer Intern, deepening her passion for legal justice and service.
She began practising as an independent advocate in 2022, specialising in:
• Divorce and matrimonial matters
• Rule 58 and Rule 43 applications
• Child maintenance and Children’s Court matters
• Domestic violence and protective orders
Her early professional journey reflects both resilience and a deep commitment to justice for clients navigating emotionally charged and complex legal disputes.
As President of INLPASA, Matabane demonstrates strong leadership and a vision for legal transformation, professional development, and community impact. She actively promotes collaboration, mentorship, and capacity building within the legal community, fostering excellence and ethical practice among peers and junior practitioners.
Her initiative in establishing and growing her practice including the launch of her trusted law firm reflects both leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. On 16 February 2026, she is officially operating as a Trust Account Advocate, marking a significant milestone in her legal career and professional growth
Matabane is actively engaged in pro bono work, particularly through her volunteer contributions with Lady Liberty SA, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering marginalized women by providing access to justice, legal information, and holistic support services. Lady Liberty’s mission aligns closely with her commitment to social justice, gender equality, and advocacy for vulnerable communities.
Matabane’s insight and expertise in family law have been featured in several published articles where she contributes as an expert legal commentator:
Child maintenance and divorce advice, Advocate Matabane spoke to Briefly News about how Courts calculate child maintenance and protect children’s basic needs. Legal guidance on maintenance enforcement. She provided detailed analysis for Briefly News on steps to enforce child support, including international enforcement considerations.
Advice on domestic worker labour rights. In another Briefly News article, she informed a domestic worker of her rights regarding minimum wage and negotiation of salary, illustrating her ability to translate legal frameworks into accessible advice.
Mo Media profile feature highlighted her commitment to social justice and her professional journey, showcasing her passion for defending the rights of marginalised South Africans.
She is also listed among Briefly News expert contributors on various legal topics, reflecting her diversified public legal commentary.
These engagements demonstrate her continuing thought leadership, ability to translate complex legal issues for public audiences, and contribution to legal education and public understanding of rights.
Areas of Practice & Expertise:
• Family Law & Children’s Rights
• Maintenance & Domestic Relations
• Rule 58/43 Applications
• Domestic Violence & Protective Orders
• Legal Advocacy & Litigation Strategy
Her approach to practice emphasizes compassion, meticulous preparation, and client empowerment, particularly for those who are often underrepresented or lack access to adequate legal representation.
84.Violet Munasinyungwe –Zambia
Violet Munasinyungwe is a Constitutional, Environmental, and Human Rights lawyer with seven years of experience in private practice. Her legal career began at Muyatwa Legal Practitioners as an intern in 2018, and she currently serves as an Associate at Malisa andPartners Legal Practitioners,which she joined in 2023. As a junior Advocate of the High Court for Zambia, Violet has spearheaded numerous public interest litigation cases in both the High Court and Constitutional Court, handling complex instructions ranging from corporate environmental degradation and illegal land use to significant constitutional and human rights violations.
Violet holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with Credit from the University of Zambia and was conferred, in December of 2025, an LLM in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa , the most prestigious Human rights program on the African Continent, from the University of Pretoria in partnership with Makerere University. She graduated with Distinction and was the first Zambian to be awarded the Nelson Mandela Prize for the best graduating student since the program’s inception in 2000. In October of 2025, she was also selected as a candidate from the Global Campus of Human Rights Africa program, to participate in Thailand, Bangkok, in the prestigious Global Classroom on Human Rights 2025, whose theme was “Business, the environment and human rights”. This selection was a true testament to Violet’s passion and dedication to advocating for corporate accountability and environmental protection for present and future generations. Inspired by critical cases that Violet has handled in the realm of environmental protection, she has also written a published LLM Thesis paper titled “Access to justice for victims of corporate environmental degradation in Zambia: the case for Public interest litigation”. Her paper was awarded a distinction at the University of pretoria, with a recommendation that it be published as a Journal article as the research topic was not only well reaserched but was relevant and timely with practical and useful findings.
During her tenure at the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Human Rights, Violet also served as a lead researcher in the Expression, Information & Digital Rights Unit (EIDR) on pivotal continental projects, including:
- The Report on Surveillance in Africa (based on the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Resolution 573).
- The General Comment guiding the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ normative framework on digital surveillance in Africa.
- A Toolkit for enhancing access to data for human rights and sustainable development in Africa, under the auspices of the African Union.
Violet also had the opportunity last year, to intern at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), in Kampala Uganda where she gained practical experience and expertise on human-wildlife conflict compensation and sustainable tourism agreements. This experience bridges her current work in Zambia, where she frequently engages with regulators such as ZEMA and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW). Violet is also currently serving as a lawyer for Conservation Advocates Zambia (CAZ), a non-profit dedicated to environmental safeguarding and sustainable livelihoods.
Beyond her practice, Violet is a Part-time Tutor for Constitutional and Administrative Law at the University of Zambia. She also holds specialised certifications from the Centre for Human Rights at the University of pretoria, in South Africa, in:
- Disability Rights and Children’s Rights.
- The African Human Rights System.
- AI and Human Rights in Africa.
85. Mmakosha Ama Mahafha- South Africa
Mmakosha Ama Mahafha is an advocate of the High Court of South Africa, admitted in 2019, with experience in procurement, labour, company, administrative, municipal, and customary law. Nominated by the Acting Judge President, Limpopo Division, for the Aspirant Judges Programme (2023). Holds board and committee leadership roles, with experience in governance oversight, mentorship, and legal education.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Aspirant Judges Programme (2023) – Nominated by the Acting Judge President, Limpopo
Division; training facilitated by the South African Judicial Education Institute
100 South African Shining Stars Award (2025) – National recognition for leadership and
contribution to the legal profession.
Panellist – Celebration of Women’s 100 Years in the Legal Profession, Limpopo High Court (2023)
Speaker – Personal Injury Seminar, Black Lawyers Association, Limpopo (2021)
Speaker – SA Women Lawyers Association Student Chapter, University of Limpopo (2022)
LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE
Chairperson – REMCO Committee (present)
Member – Pro Bono Committee, Limpopo Society of Advocates (present)
Board Member – Limpopo Economic Development Agency (present)
Board Member – Corridor Mining Resources (Pty) Ltd (present)
Board Member – Chuene Resort (Pty) Ltd (present)
Member – Young Bar and Professionals Committees Limpopo Society of Advocates
(2021,2023)
Assistant Coordinator–Pupillage Committee, Limpopo Society of Advocates (present)
Experience includes fiduciary oversight, collective decision-making, policy development, and ethical governance within public and private institutions.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Advocate – Limpopo Society of Advocates
PRACTICE AREAS INCLUDE:
Procurement Law, Labour Law, Company Law
Customary Law (Traditional Leadership, Land and Succession)
Personal Injury & Medical Negligence, Municipal & Administrative Law, Contract Law
Also actively involved in mentoring and training junior advocates, with emphasis on professional ethics, litigation skills, and courtroom conduct.
86.Noreen Rose Makoni– Zimbabwe
Noreen Rose Makoni is a Senior Associate lawyer at Absolom & Shepherd Attorneys, with extensive knowledge and experience in Corporate, Commercial, and Civil Litigation. Her practice focuses on Energy law, Intellectual property, and Transaction advisory. She has successfully handled high-value and complex disputes in the High Court of Zimbabwe and the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe, securing multi-million-dollar recoveries and protecting significant investments for her clients.
Noreen leads the firm’s second largest branch in Rusape,Zimbabwe, where she manages a substantial and diverse client portfolio. Her portfolio also includes land disputes, labour matters, criminal defence, and civil litigation. She is known for delivering practical, solution-oriented legal advice and consistently achieving favourable outcomes for her clients.
With a strong academic background and extensive litigation expertise, Noreen is also a registered Notary Public and Conveyancer, efficiently managing the firm’s conveyancing portfolio. Her exceptional advocacy skills have seen her attaining a reputation as a formidable courtroom practitioner.
Noreen has significant experience in energy transactions, advising clients on regulatory compliance, transaction structuring, and due diligence across a range of energy projects. Noreen’s expertise in the Energy sector extends beyond national borders. She has played a key role in advancing regional collaboration in the energy sector, particularly through fostering cooperation between Zimbabwe and Zambia. She was a key speaker and panel moderator at the Energy Forum for Africa (EFFA)held in September 2025 and was part of the team that organized the EFFA Roadshow in Zimbabwe, promoting cross-border energy connectivity.
Over the years she has also attended International Energy Conferences,particularly the Dubai Middle East Energy Conference which is held annually in Dubai in order to fully equip herself with the latest Energy trends for the benefit of her clients.
She is also an Intellectual Property advisor, supported by a Master’s degree in Intellectual Property (2021), obtained through a programme jointly offered by Africa University and the World Intellectual Property Organization.She has helped clients in protecting their inventions through her knowledge in Intellectual Property.
She is also a co-author of the Zimbabwe chapter in the International Comparative Legal Guide (ICLG) on Construction and Engineering Law, providing insight into Zimbabwe’s legal framework for an international audience.
87. Kwena Wildah Moabelo- South Africa
Kwena Wildah Moabelo is an experienced Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with over a decade of legal practice in litigation, legal drafting, and legal practice management. She obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Limpopo in 2008.
Between 2010 and 2012 she was a candidate attorney serving article of clerkships and was admitted as an Attorney of the High Court with Right of Appearance in 2012.
Ms. Moabelo began her legal career at the University of Limpopo Law Clinic, where she served as an Attorney between 2010 and 2012. She subsequently joined Mashabela Attorneys Inc, where she held the position of Senior Attorney from 2013 to 2014. Since 2015, she has continued her legal career as a Senior Attorney at Kuaho Attorneys, gaining extensive experience in civil, criminal, and family law litigation. She also have experience in personal injury claim (Medical Negligence and MVA).
In 2023, she founded Moabelo K.W Attorneys, where she currently serves as Director. In this role, she oversees the strategic and operational management of the firm, including supervising legal teams, coordinating departmental activities, managing trial rolls, consulting with clients, appointing legal experts, and ensuring the effective delivery of legal services.
With strong expertise in litigation, legal drafting, leadership, and practice management, Ms. Moabelo has built a reputation for professional integrity, effective communication, and strategic legal thinking. Her leadership experience includes supervising junior legal practitioners, delegating responsibilities across departments, and developing operational plans to support efficient legal service delivery.
88.Muchimwa Mbulo– Zambia
Muchimwa Mbulo is a results-driven corporate and commercial lawyer operating at the intersection of law, investment, and economic policy in Zambia.
Her practice is anchored in complex transaction execution, investment structuring, joint ventures, and high-value property acquisitions involving corporate entities and trust arrangements. She acts for investors and institutional clients navigating regulatory risk, capital deployment, and strategic growth, ensuring that transactions are not only legally compliant but commercially defensible and future-proof.
In the labour and employment space, Muchimwa advises organisations facing operational restructuring, funding disruptions, and workforce rationalisation. She has provided strategic counsel in matters involving termination for operational requirements, wrongful dismissal exposure, and statutory compliance within shifting funding landscapes. Her approach combines legal precision with risk containment and institutional sustainability.
Beyond active legal practice, she contributes at board and strategic level within Zambia’s mining and energy-linked sectors, supporting governance reform, ESG integration, stakeholder management, and long-term strategic planning. Her work reflects a sophisticated understanding of how regulatory frameworks, investor confidence, and national economic priorities converge.
Muchimwa represents a new generation of African female legal professionals who are not only technically proficient but structurally influential — shaping transactions, strengthening governance frameworks, and supporting economic progression through disciplined legal strategy.
89. Annabel Mwesigye– Uganda
Annabel Mwesigye is a young corporate lawyer and governance professional with extensive experience in corporate and commercial law, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance. She currently manages the legal and company secretarial function of Interswitch East Africa (U) Ltd.
Beyond her corporate role, Annabel is deeply committed to advancing the legal and governance profession within Africa. Her rising influence in the region was recently cemented at the 3rd East Africa In-House Counsel Convention in 2025, where at the age of 32, she was honored with the Emerging Legal Talent Award, a testament to her growing impact. She is the Vice Chair of the East Africa Law Society (EALS) In-House Committee and has served in the East Africa Law Society in various capacities since 2021. Her regional reach is further reflected in her seat on the Advisory Board of the African Corporate and Government Counsel Forum (ACGC), a regional association for African In-house lawyers as one of the four members representing East Africa on the board.
Passionate about corporate governance and boardroom excellence, she is part of the organizing team for the Boardroom Masterclass, a premier program that explores emerging boardroom trends, governance principles, and best practices shaping leadership across Uganda and the region.
Annabel’s passion for mentorship and empowerment is equally notable. She is a mentor and trainer with Project Girls for Girls, a global initiative equipping young women with leadership skills, courage, and vision and has mentored cohorts in Uganda and beyond. She also serves as a mentor and facilitator in the Institute for Chartered Secretaries & Administrators Mentorship Program, where she helps nurture governance professionals. She is also an active alumni member of the Strathmore University-Uganda Chapter and has participated in its corporate social responsibility activities such as career & mentorship sessions, the most recent one being at a secondary school, Kings College Budo.
Annabel embodies excellence, leadership, and service – qualities that continue to inspire her peers and the wider community.
90. Thelma Malenga-Zambia
Thelma Malenga is a mining sector legal professional with over eight years of experience, currently serving as Company Secretary & Legal Manager at Lubambe Copper Mine Limited, where she leads the legal, risk, compliance, and corporate governance functions.
She began her career as a Contracts Officer handling key mining agreements and progressively advanced through roles as Legal Officer and Associate Legal Counsel to her current leadership position. Her experience includes sale and purchase agreements, mining transactions, legal due diligence, debt financing agreements, offtake arrangements, licence alterations, corporate restructurings, and regulatory compliance.
She holds an LLB from the University of Zambia and an LLM in International Commercial Law from the University of Salford. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the Law Association of Zambia, and serves as a Board Trustee of the Lubambe Copper Mine Limited Employees’ Pension Scheme, where she also chairs the Investment Committee.
91. Hon. Bahati Colex Ndambo- Tanzania
Bahati Colex Ndambo is a distinguished legal professional and an accomplished advocate in the field of Land laws, currently serving as the chairperson of the District Land and Housing Tribunal (DLHT) with over ten (10) years of progressive experience in legal practice, she has built an exemplary reputation as a principled, knowledgeable, and a results-driven land laws expert dedicated to advancing justice in land matters.
She has served several District Land and Housing Tribunals including Chato District Land and Housing Tribunal, Mkalama, Singida, Manyoni, Bahi and currently Kilolo DLHT, whereas as a Chairperson she is entrusted with the critical responsibility of adjudicating land disputes within the intended DLHT. In this capacity, she presides over hearings, interprets and applies land legislations, delivers reasoned decisions, and ensures that proceedings are conducted fairly, efficiently, and in strict adherence to the rule of law. Her Leadership has strengthened public awareness and confidence in the Tribunal particularly in resolving complex land disputes. She is widely recognized for her impartiality, analytical depth and commitment to equitable justice.
Bahati Colex holds Masters of Laws (LL.M) in Land Laws, Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and a PostGraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (PGDLP). Her academic journey reflects a consistent focus on land governance and property rights. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Land Laws, and she has written and published several papers contributing to the development of land jurisprudence.
As a female leader in a field traditionally dominated by men, Bahati stands as a role model for aspiring women in legal profession. Her practical experience, academic achievements and visionary leadership uniquely positions her as an outstanding candidate for the nomination as her continued contribution to land laws demonstrates her unwavering dedication to upholding justice, strengthening institutions, and advancing fair and sustainable land governance.
92. Walta Carlos– Tanzania
Walta Carlos is a visionary Woman, Human Rights Lawyer and Gender Expert from Tanzania, recognized as a crucial voice for gender rights and reproductive health. She challenged the notion that reproductive health education is solely for medical professionals, demonstrating the vital role of law and policy in protecting these rights. Walta also highlighted the interconnectedness of gender-based violence, climate change, and reproductive health, advocating for holistic solutions that particularly benefit women, girls, and vulnerable groups.
Since 2016, when Walta worked with the Women Promotion Centre in Kigoma, as an advocacy and litigation officer as well as legal aid provider for women and girls experiencing violence. Confronting challenges like child marriage, teenage pregnancies, and high maternal mortality, resulted from unsafe abortions in Kigoma Region motivated her to use her legal education and expertise to analyze laws, policies and guidelines concerning reproductive justice. Her work focused on improving guidelines and aligning them with international treaties such as the Maputo Protocol,CEDAW etc.
Her extensive experience of working with various organizations, including Women’s Promotion Centre (WPC), Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR Africa) and currently at Cuso International has further deepened her expertise in Human Rights and Gender Equality issues through numerous capacity building , learning opportunities and mentorship support provided within these institutions.
Strategically, Walta influence and collaborate with other women lawyers to form “Women Lawyers for Reproductive Rights,” a network of women lawyers who have been forefront of analyze existing laws and policies, producing clear, actionable advocacy brief relating to women and girls health rights. Beyond policy, Walta built the capacity of 80 Civil Society Organizations working on climate change and gender-based violence, integrating reproductive health into their work. Her efforts led to 15 CSOs securing grants for reproductive health interventions.
On February 5th 2026, Walta was honored with an award by the MKUKI GBV Prevention Coalition as an Anti GBV champion, recognizing her amplified voice and diligent use her legal knowledge in advancing reproductive health for women’s and girl’s rights Tanzania.
As a testament to her impactful work, In 2024, Walta was appointed by the Tanzania Minister of Health to the Advisory Board of Kigoma Regional Referral Hospital (Maweni), representing youth and contributing her legal and advocacy expertise in reproductive health. Her work has strengthened CSOs, empowered youth through education, and provided the government with evidence-based recommendations to improve reproductive health services in Tanzania.
93. Maria Hermit Mushi–Tanzania
Maria Hermit Mushi is an Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania and subordinate courts thereto, recognized for her excellence in advocacy, legal scholarship, and leadership within the legal profession. Based in Dar es Salaam, she serves as a dedicated Defence Counsel and legal advisor, providing strategic representation in complex criminal, land, and corporate matters.
She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and completed professional legal training qualifying her for admission to the Bar in Tanzania. Her academic foundation, combined with practical courtroom experience, enables her to approach legal challenges with analytical precision, integrity, and a results-oriented mindset.
Maria has advised local and international clients on regulatory compliance, investment structuring, title transfers, and high-value commercial transactions within Tanzania’s evolving legal and business environment. Her work demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical advocacy, protection of constitutional rights, and the promotion of justice and accountability.
As a female legal professional in Africa, Maria exemplifies resilience, leadership, and excellence. Her nomination for international recognition reflects her contribution to strengthening the rule of law and advancing professional standards within the African legal community.
94. Sherina Okoye- Nigeria
Sherina Okoye is a legal practitioner and human rights activist dedicated to advancing protection and empowerment of women and children. She envisions particularly, an AFRICA where the dignity of women and children is recognised as a right and not a privilege.
She channels this vision through her NGO, African Kids and Women Rights Empowerment Initiative, an NGO with core areas around protection and empowerment of women and children; as well as through her private legal practice which spans active courtroom litigation and solicitorship.
With deep grounding in advocacy, policy engagement, and grassroots impact, Sherina has led targeted initiatives addressing human trafficking, gender-based exploitation, women and children’s protection and empowerment, access to free healthcare as well as policy advocacy targeting institutional barriers to justice.
Her work spans policy advocacy especially at the seat of parliament, prison and rural health outreaches, anti-trafficking projects, free education for indigent or orphaned children, and gender parity efforts.
In furtherance of her zeal for women empowerment, Sherina also runs a rapporteuring firm with particular bias for training and empowering female rapporteurs vide national and international forums.
She champions empowerment models that equip women and young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to break cycles of exploitation and thrive. Combining legal precision with empathetic leadership, Sherina consistently drives outcomes that protect rights, elevate vulnerable voices, and strengthen justice ecosystems for women and children across Nigeria and beyond.
She is a firm believer that unless a woman is empowered, her children cannot truly be protected.
95. Nompumelelo Manyise- South Africa
Nompumelelo Manyise, is an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa, her practise is mainly based in the Limpopo Province. She graduated with the University of Pretoria in 2021 and completed her pupillage with the Limpopo Society of Advocates in 2023. This is her second year in practice.
She is a junior counsel member of the Limpopo Society of Advocates since April 2024, and her practice includes but is not limited to litigation in personal injuries claims, medical negligence, company law, land claim, customary law and partly criminal procedure. Nompumelelo Manyise is also a member of the Pro-bono Committee of the Limpopo Society of Advocates, where they do pro-bono work and assist community members who cannot afford legal services working in partnership with other stakeholders like Unisa Law clinic, LPC. She is also involved in the University of Pretoria final year mentorship program where she mentors and guides prospective law students by guiding them into the profession and offering advice about the field of law. She has mentored 5 students from 2023 till 2025, where she started with one mentee, and two for each year since. She plans to continue with the mentoring program even in 2026.
Nompumelelo Manyise is also an active member of the BLA (Black Lawyers Association), she enjoys helping her community, she is a dedicated lawyer, has touched countless lives through her work, always striving for justice and fairness for those in need. But what makes her truly special is her kindness, her unwavering faith and the way she believes in people, inspiring them to be their best selves. She prays with a sincere heart, offers encouragement without expecting anything in return and makes everyone around her feel valued and capable. Her combination of compassion, strength and genuine care makes her a rare and extraordinary person.
Apart from her profession, Nompumelelo is a writer and had her first article published when she was doing her final year LLB titled “Gender Based Violence in the Workplace”. She is an activist and has served in national women structures like the African National Congress Women’s league Young Women’s Desk as a coordinator for the sexual and reproductive health committee empowering women and youth. She was also involved in student politics where she led as a secretary of SASCO (South African Student Congress) championing for student rights, access to education and support thereof. She also enjoys playing badminton in her spare time and is a member of the Capricorn Badminton club, she was formerly a USSA national player for Tuks Badminton. Nompumelelo also takes part in community development programs educating and motivating the youth about the law.
Her goals and aspiration are to complete her master’s degree that she is currently pursuing, serve the community with diligence and honestly. In 10 years time get the status of SILK, being a senior counsel and continue doing what she loves which is practising the law.
Her greatest achievement is waking up every morning and facing the world no matter how tough it is. One quick fact about me: “Nompumelelo left the big city where she was born in Gauteng to start her practice in a small city and she is loving it”
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Congratulations to our great ladies of africa, especially Her ladyship Sedinam Awo Kwadam of Ghana. May you soar higher above the sky.
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