Partner
Bowmans Zambia has a strong banking and corporate practice. The firm has a strong client base, working with large banks as well as government agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia. The firm’s strong presence across Africa allows for the Zambian office to work on many cross-border deals. Managing partner Mabvuto Sakala is a specialist in employment-related litigation and alternate dispute resolution, while Bwalya Chilufya-Musonda is an expert in financial and corporate law.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is very agile and work very well in high pressure circumstances, making them a great choice for client's with fast-paced business needs.’
‘Always responds and available when needed. Knowledgeable in legal framework.’
- ‘The partners are easily accessible and available to give both brief and detailed advice.'
‘Bwalya Chilufya is a seasoned professional and is highly client focused. Together with Joshua Mwamulimwa, they work with a high sense of what the client needs or might need in the future. ’
‘Mabvuto Sakala and John Kawana are able to intelligently decipher key issues and find solutions around them. They are highly dependable for even urgent legal opinions owing to their vast knowledge base.’
- 'I find Bwalya Chilufya not only competent but socially adept. I get the sense that they genuinely care about my business. ’
Key clients
- First Quantum Minerals Ltd (FQML)
- Absa Bank Zambia Plc (Absa)
- Prudential Life Assurance Zambia Limited
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Mopani Copper Mines
- National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA)
- Public Service Pension Fund Board (PSPF)
- YesCash Zambia Limited t/a Express Credit
- Frontclear Management B.V
- Agricultural Leasing Company Zambia Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Standard Bank and FirstRand Bank on a ZAR5.95 billion refinancing facility to The Foschini Retail Group Proprietary Limited (TFG), a South African JSE-listed retail clothing group with presence across 24 countries.
- Acting for Absa Bank Zambia Plc, formerly Barclays Bank Zambia PLC, as respondent in an employment class action claim involving pensions and employment benefits with an anticipated settlement value of ZMW49m.
- Advised Mr Price Group Limited in relation to the acquisition of control of Blue Falcon 188 Trading (Proprietary) Limited, which owns the Studio 88 group of businesses, from RMB Ventures Six (Proprietary) Limited and the current management of the Studio 88 Group, for ZAR 3.6 billion.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Mabvuto Sakala, Bwalya Chilufya-Musonda