Legal team size: Seven

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

RwandAir’s legal department team has been profoundly involved in numerous significant cases and transactions that have proved our expertise and adaptability, especially in the areas of contract management, litigation, legal advisory and regulatory compliance.

In recent times, and amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent post-COVID legal landscape, the legal department has tremendously been involved in RwandAir’s strategic leasing of three aircrafts comprising of a cargo Aircraft, B737, a passenger Aircrafts both B737, and a A330 to expand our fleet.

Navigating the legal complexities of aircraft leasing during a global health crisis presented unique challenges, but with support from internal and external advisors, we efficiently ensured RwandAir’s interests were protected. We structured leasing agreements to secure operational continuity and maintain compliance with all required regulatory approvals.

During the peak of the pandemic, our legal department crucially advised RwandAir on workforce optimisation, cost containment, and strategic realignment. As the aviation industry recovered post-COVID, our team continued to provide comprehensive legal guidance on complex issues arising from RwandAir’s rapid growth trajectory.

Our team’s ability to adapt to the changing legal landscape and provide innovative solutions is very instrumental in safeguarding RwandAir’s interests. By leveraging our legal expertise, we have established a strong partnership with RwandAir built on trust, integrity, and professionalism.

Moving forward, our legal department is committed to keep supporting RwandAir in navigating the evolving legal landscape, seizing new opportunities, and addressing emerging legal challenges with confidence and competence.

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

The most recent Covid-19 crisis came with its own economic conditions and challenges, which paralyzed all businesses globally, with the airline business being no exception. The airline faced fluctuations in global economic conditions, exchange rates that affected the repatriation of funds in various stations, which in one way or the other affected our work and affected RwandAir’s financial performance, leasing agreements, and procurement contracts.

By staying abreast of these economic changes, the legal department at RwandAir has proactively assessed risks, ensured compliance, and supported the airline’s strategic decision-making process in a dynamic and evolving industry environment.

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

My cause is always to make a difference in people and organisation lives better than the way I found them. I firmly believe that the role of legal professionals goes beyond traditional advisory services and extends to providing innovative and strategic solutions that drive business success through navigation of legal complexities and developing legal departments as internal legal firms. This enhances the value proposition of in-house counsel and elevate their impact on organisational success.

I am passionate about nurturing young in-house counsel, providing them with growth opportunities to tackle complex legal challenges and contribute to organisational goals. Empowering emerging legal talent is crucial for building a robust legal department that excels in addressing dynamic business demands and industry disruptions.

In summary, my passion is building internal legal teams and fostering the growth of young in-house counsel. This approach positively impacts business outcomes and paves the way for a new generation of legal leaders equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape.