Legal team size: 14

What are the most significant cases and transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

The team has been involved in various transactions across the Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank’s footprint, including financing the importation of wheat and grain reserves, financing the importation of crude oil supplies, and providing financing to member states facing funding challenges due to their political situations. Additionally, the team has advised on facilities for fertiliser manufacturers that supply essential agricultural sectors across Southern Africa.

Which recent political, economic or regulatory changes have impacted your work the most in the past year?

First, the breakout of civil unrest in some of our markets impacted our work significantly, as key legal roles in due diligence, as well as documentation of risks and risk mitigation, can evolve greatly in situations of civil unrest.

Secondly, there have been devaluations of various currencies in the markets we operate in over the past year. This affects the transactions being negotiated and the commitments made by borrowers, as earnings in local currencies are impacted by foreign exchange disadvantages.

Third, we have seen the adoption of ESG standards and frameworks in some markets, which has led to an increased focus on green and sustainable financing. This, in turn, has necessitated a greater emphasis on documenting and monitoring the applicable rights and obligations of the parties involved.

Are there any causes, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

As the legal services department, we are very passionate about empowering public sector lawyers in our member states. The department organises an annual training for public sector lawyers because we are keen to equip them with the skills needed to negotiate on behalf of our member states for projects financed by our bank and other financiers.

On a personal level, I am particularly passionate about innovative financing for micro, small and medium enterprises, and represent the department on the Credit Review Committee of the Group’s concessional lending window, the Trade and Development Fund. Additionally, I am passionate about sustainable and green financing. Seeing how Sub-Saharan Africa is facing severe effects of climate change, despite being the least contributors to it, inspires me to support initiatives that align with mitigating the escalation of climate change.